Delay in signing proclamation allows campaign fundraising to continue

By Cy Ryan

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010 | 3:41 p.m.

While Gov. Jim Gibbons called Monday for a special session of the Legislature to convene Feb. 23, he hasn't yet signed the official proclamation.

The delay between his call for the session -- made Monday evening in his State of the State speech -- and his signing the proclamation will allow Gibbons, Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki and members of the Legislature to continue to accept campaign donations.

Nevada law bars collecting campaign funds from the day after the governor issues a proclamation for the special session until 15 days after the Legislature adjourns.

Within 90 minutes of wrapping up the State of the State speech Gibbons' campaign sent out an e-mail asking for donations: "By Nevada law campaign contributions cannot be accepted the durring (sic) the 15 days before and after a special session. I ask you to please join me in fighting to protect Nevadans from more taxes that will prevent recovery. Please make your contribution before 5pm tomorrow to help me ensure that we can bring Nevada back to prosperity through economic development."

Daniel Burns, communication director for Gibbons, said today that he did not know when the governor would officially act.