Governor’s staff chief takes unusual step of fundraising

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 | 2 a.m.

Robin Reedy

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Carson City — The governor’s chief of staff, Robin Reedy, is hitting up his supporters for money to help finance his reelection bid.

In a move that political observers say is unprecedented for recent governors, Reedy sent out an invitation last week inviting potential donors to a fundraiser Friday in Northern Nevada that she is hosting for Gov. Jim Gibbons.

Politicians’ staff working on the taxpayers’ dime generally avoid wearing multiple hats because it raises questions about balancing state time with campaign time, as well as the appearance that campaign contributions could affect an administration’s behavior toward an individual or interest group.

But Reedy said her past political experience as head of the Douglas County Republican Party and Sierra Nevada Republican Women makes it natural for her to host a fundraiser for Gibbons.

“It would be stranger if I didn’t,” she said.

She said she is organizing the fundraiser on her own time, without using any taxpayer resources. She said she would report the cost of the fundraiser as an in-kind contribution, which she expected to be about $1,000.

Chiefs of staff and other top aides to elected officials walk a fine line between political and government service. Campaign questions are routinely passed from taxpayer-paid spokesmen to campaign operatives. Some say Reedy is crossing that line.

A chief of staff is “too close to the governor,” said Fred Lokken, a professor of political science at Truckee Meadows Community College. “You can’t help but have this interpreted as buying favor and influence,” he added.

The problem with the chief of staff hosting a fundraiser, Lokken said, is this: Those who don’t show up could imagine having less access to the administration. Those who do will be perceived from the outside as trying to buy influence. “You’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t. It puts everybody in an extremely awkward situation,” Lokken said.

He added that it doesn’t appear to violate any ethics laws.

“There’s not anything that officially prohibits it, other than good taste,” he said.

Reedy said she has been active in Republican politics for more than a decade, including for much of the time she worked for the elected treasurers.

“I’ve always managed to make my political choices separate from my own work,” she said. “I easily put in eight to 16 hours a day as chief of staff. That’s why the fundraiser was sent out via e-mail. I don’t have time to sit down and do an invitation.”

Discussion: 9 comments so far…

By nevpolitico

10/27/09 at 2:29 a.m.

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Horrible, horrible lack of judgment and political savvy. So typical of this administration and so sad for Nevadans. Surprised she's not hosting it at the Governor's mansion. November 2010 cannot come fast enough for this cast of characters to exit the stage.
By lcdrmandingonamvet

10/27/09 at 5:49 a.m.

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This old batttle-axe should get a donation from Neil Bush. He made donations to Jeb, McCain, Boy George, and Boy George's presidentail library. Neil used some of the $1 BILLION he stole from Denver's Silverado Bank. There oughta be a law. Call Colorado State Attorney General John Suthers (GOP) @ 303.866.4500 or attorney.general@state.co.us. Better yet, call the FBI, FDIC, and USAG Holder (gutless wonder, sell-out, U*T, Benedict Arnold, etc.).
By neiman1

10/27/09 at 8:01 a.m.

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The junior Reid is using paid political hacks from out of state as they repay his dad for their favors with work on junior's campaign. Let's see an article about the selling of the democratic party in exchange for favors from daddy.
By Blueberry

10/27/09 at 8:43 a.m.

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If she is so busy at her job and working such long hours on the taxpayer's dime, how in the world does she have time to plan a private fundraiser? If she really wanted this done, the best thing she could have done was to find someone outside of state government to host such a party... unless there is no one out there who would stick their neck out for her (or him)... So, since she only has herself to do the job, of course she will be using this as a political stick to deny access to those who scorned her and don't show. Tsk, tsk. Bad politics.
By 2zero

10/27/09 at 9:17 a.m.

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If this is not against the LAW, then we need a LAW!

Start with term limits for all elected! Two terms, move up or move on!
By JohnDeaux

10/27/09 at 10:27 a.m.

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What idiot is advising Govenor Gibbons on the legality of this?

The turnover rate for Chief of Staff and General Counsel for this Governor becomes clearer all the time.
By OpenRange

10/27/09 at 10:38 a.m.

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For more fundraising, I heard she will be washing cars in a bikini this weekend in Carson City.
By nobull

10/28/09 at 10:17 a.m.

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I'll attend. Weather the Governor is re-energized by his new Chief and two Deputies I do not know, but as of late the Governor's office appears to be engaged and making good decisions. Too little too late, perhaps, but if these folks can continue this way for the next year it's good for Nevada. I'll keep watching.
By dwms

10/28/09 at 9:42 p.m.

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We met with Chief of Staff Reedy regarding the class action against Gov. Gibbons' State of Nevada due to wrongful deaths of children. COS Reedy took no notes and responded. She stated Gov. Gibbons has no authority over law enforcement or due process.

We concluded COS Reedy is not aware the State of Nevada has a Department of Public Safety or that Gov. Gibbons appoints Judges.

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