Gibbons says he wouldn’t appoint himself if Ensign resigns

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 | 11:41 a.m.

Gov. Jim Gibbons speaks with reporters in Las Vegas during a Sept. 10 news conference on the I-15 expansion project.

CARSON CITY – Were Sen. John Ensign to resign, Gov. Jim Gibbons said Tuesday he wouldn't appoint himself to the U.S. Senate seat.

Gibbons told reporters that it’s up to Ensign -- whose affair with a staff member has led to new allegations that he violated the federal one-year lobbying ban -- to decide whether to remain in the Senate.

If Ensign resigned because of his recent troubles, Gibbons said he would name a replacement. The governor said he would not appoint himself or Brian Sandoval, who is challenging Gibbons in the GOP gubernatorial primary election next year.

Gibbons said he intends to stay in the race for a second term despite a poor showing in the polls.

A recent sampling by the Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc., for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, showed Sandoval defeating Gibbons 41-20 percent in the Republican primary election. Former North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandon had 4 percent. There were 35 percent undecided.

The governor also said he was “hopeful” a settlement could be reached in his divorce case with his wife, Dawn. A settlement conference is scheduled for Wednesday.

The governor filed for divorce in May 2008.

Asked if he was concerned about a public divorce trial, Gibbons replied, “I don’t care about it.”

He added he doesn’t think the case should be public, “but some in the media don’t care.” He said his concern was “the family and kids.”

Discussion: 20 comments so far…

By Birdiedreamin

10/13/09 at 11:49 a.m.

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who believes a single word that comes out of monkey boy gibbons mouth...
or any of the stupid pathetic republican liars for that matter...
but this monkey boy gibbons...
wow wee...
has anyone ever been elected governor with less leadership skills...
i doubt it!!!
By tvegas

10/13/09 at 12:12 p.m.

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Ensign doesn't have the integrity necessary to resign
By lcdrmandingonamvet

10/13/09 at 12:16 p.m.

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Obama, Reid, Biden, and Gates should "HELP" Ensign. These bipartisan lackeys need only to STRIP Ensign of his top-secret military clearance, and he is out of a job. Ditto for his partner in crime (Blackmail suppressing co-conspirator), (R-OK) U.S. Sen. Coburn (felonious Vietnam War draft-dodger).
By mikegino

10/13/09 at 1:50 p.m.

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Dingo: Obamo shouldn't have any clearance either. I put him in the same category as that draft-dodging Neil Bush.
By dt0702

10/13/09 at 2:26 p.m.

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Why would he say he wasn't going to appoint himself if he wasn't planning on doing in the first place ??
By afveteran

10/13/09 at 3:48 p.m.

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Gibbons should appoint Lowden if Ensign resigns, but we all know Ensign won't resign and will win re-election in 2012. He's done a marvelous job protecting us during this non-sensical healthcare 'scare' program the Democrats have conjured up.
By wizardofOz

10/13/09 at 4 p.m.

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Sooo...

The soon-to-be-divorced "Back Bencher" doesn't want to replace the soon-to-maybe-be-divorced "Philanderer".

Really?

The REAL laugh is: exactly WHO would donate to these two-of-a-kind's campaigns? (marriage counselors?)

Talk about trying to draw to an Inside Strait! Are THESE two dueces WILD or what....?
_

disclaimer: this comment is for illustration purposes only, no insider information regarding the happy marital bliss of Mr. & Mrs. Ensign or Mr. & Mrs. Gibbons is known, nor has been seeked, nor is really even cared about one little iota, but you knew that.
By afveteran

10/13/09 at 4:38 p.m.

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You don't need disclaimers on the sewage you espouse on any forum. It's self-absorbing.
By darkhorse

10/13/09 at 4:58 p.m.

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I think it's time to pitch a tent on that land out in Elko. Perhaps Gibbons can become a shepherd on his grazing land. 14% is not going to cut it Gibbo. Appointing himself to another political position would be the smartest move he could make as Governor.
By wizardofOz

10/13/09 at 5:31 p.m.

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afveteran:

You post YOUR comments, I'll post MINE.
By wizardofOz

10/13/09 at 5:37 p.m.

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disclaimer for above comment: comment was for illustration purposes only, nothing is to be construed that afveteran may illiterate and/or an ignorant fool, but you knew that anyway
By LarryVegas

10/13/09 at 5:41 p.m.

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Didn't Neil Bush serve in the Navy on a "Swift Boat?"
By afveteran

10/13/09 at 7:03 p.m.

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Sewage is sewage is sewage.
By LarryVegas

10/13/09 at 7:44 p.m.

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wizard of Ox...

I did not see the illustration. Was it in color or black and white?

But you knew that anyway...
By cocacola

10/13/09 at 10:47 p.m.

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This is sad that Ensign does not resign. He's in denial that he is to blame. He's in denial that his party is behind him. We aren't. Quit embarrasing your family, your party, yourself. Resign. It will happen. If not, I hope you get voted out.

Anyone that cheats on their family, will cheat on the American people. I DON'T CARE IF YOU ARE A DEMOCRAT, A REPUBLICAN OR AN ALIEN, WHEN YOU DO SOMETHING WRONG, THAT TEARS AT THE FABRIC OF SOCIETY, BE HUMBLE AND STEP DOWN.

If you take an oath to your wife and break it, you aren't trustworthy. You have a family riding on this.

What makes the people of Nevada and America believe that politicians that aren't true and good to their families, can be good or true to the fabric of this great nation and make good policies? They are shredding this nation's fabric.

He hurt his wife, family, and his friend (husband of the mistress). AGAIN, A MAN THAT CAN SCREW HIS FRIEND, can screw this nation too for his own gain. Isn't that what we have so much of?

America needs not judge, but not elect this type when there are others who are true to their word to choose from.

As for the Mrs., get good advice. You do not want to be waving as the ship has already sailed off to sea. You need to see a divorce attorney and get pre-divorce counseling. Surveil the man forever. It isn't a little thing. Men sweet talk, and I know you want to believe him, but protect yourself. This is how you will in the end protect your family. Divorce while there is money to be had, and not after all the attorney's take it defending his actions in any ethics investigation, or giving it away to mistresses, or hiding it for himself.

I just say to Ms. Ensign, I'm sorry that this happened to you, if Mr. Ensign really valued the marriage and your family together he wouldn't have made this decision. That's the fact. You surely aren't to blame. There are way better men out there, and way better looking. When a man isn't true to his wife, or vice versa, then it isn't a marriage. Be true to yourself whichever way you choose.
By afveteran

10/14/09 at 11:33 a.m.

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Ensign got some strange and all of a sudden he's the only guy with a loose zipper? Give me a break, stupid.
By LarryVegas

10/14/09 at 1:01 p.m.

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cocacola states that anyone who cheats on their spouse is not trustworthy and is incapable of repenting and being forgiven.

cocacola's dissertation on fidelity would probably include most of Congress, most of the state's government and local officials. Maybe even you and me...

I guess cocacola does not trust anyone who has strayed from the path...

Have you ever strayed cocacola?
By benighse

10/14/09 at 3:13 p.m.

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It's obvious. He would appoint Dawn Gibbons to the seat. It's the one way he could get her out of the House.
By mred

10/14/09 at 4:55 p.m.

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Why doesn't he appoint Rush Limpbout.

mmm mmm mmm Limpbout didn't the Rams, ha ha has.

Just like Obama didn't get the olympics for Chicago.
By LarryVegas

10/14/09 at 6:24 p.m.

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Hang in there mred... You are coming loose like a goose...