Gibbons miffed, now invited to hearing

Monday, Oct. 29, 2007 | 7:07 a.m.

WASHINGTON - It was a simple request - Nevada's governor wanted to be invited to testify at this week's Senate hearing on Yucca Mountain.

But no invitation came.

Proxies stepped in and asked again.

Still no answer.

Gov. Jim Gibbons was miffed. A geologist by training, and a lawyer, he has dealt with Yucca Mountain in Washington and Nevada for more than 20 years.

On the other hand, his scientific credentials were questioned after he claimed, while in Congress, that risks of mercury poisoning from eating fish have been overblown.

Senate Democrats, in a position to lead their first hearing in years on Yucca, extended an invitation instead to Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat. She was deemed a more appropriate representative to handle the legal intricacies.

The governor dashed off a letter of protest to the committee. Rep. Jon Porter, a fellow Republican, joined the cause, questioning the legitimacy of the hearing without Gibbons' presence.

The governor's spokeswoman, Melissa Subbotin, said the issue was not political affiliation. "Five people, all Republicans, could have been selected and we would still ask to participate." Nonetheless, partisan speculation swirled. Were Republicans trying to snatch the spotlight from Democratic presidential contender Sen. Hillary Clinton? She had called for the hearing. Or were they aiming at Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the state's lead Yucca Mountain foe? He was consulted on the witnesses.

"There's nothing to be gained from Gibbons' bellyaching unless the intent is to delegitimize the hearing," one Democratic source said. "It doesn't benefit Nevada."

What happened to that famous Nevada bipartisanship when it comes to all things Yucca Mountain?

Relax, everybody.

A committee spokesman called late last week: "Because of the level of interest, we have now invited the governor."

So what was it that the governor wants to say?

"He would obviously represent the history of the project itself - how throughout its history it's been the most scientifically flawed project," Subbotin said.

Washington will be all ears.