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Governor-elect Brian Sandoval speaks during a press conference at Jones Vargas law firm in Las Vegas Wednesday, December 29, 2010.
By Anjeanette Damon (contact) 
Monday, Jan. 3, 2011 | 2 a.m.
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For many Nevadans, today’s inauguration of Brian Sandoval as the state’s 30th governor represents an emergence from Gov. Jim Gibbons’ unhappy term. It also signifies a re-emergence of sorts for Nevada’s political and business establishment — a group accustomed to shaping public policy to protect its interests but that found itself closed off from the governor’s office during Gibbons’ tenure in Carson City.
Although Gibbons earned establishment support during his campaign, he failed to cultivate or maintain relationships with the cadre of executives from Nevada’s leading industries and their veteran lobbyists who form the bedrock of influence in Carson City.
Sandoval, on the other hand, hails from that group and has benefited from its support throughout his career. He was recruited to run for governor by two of the state’s leading business lobbyists and was employed by one of Nevada’s largest lobbying firms.
A glance at the list of corporate sponsors of Sandoval’s inaugural celebration reflects those ties and includes companies and interests with some of the thorniest issues before the Legislature next year. They have spent a considerable amount of money on gaining access to political decision-makers.
Barrick Gold, for example, is at the top of the list of $25,000 Platinum sponsors on the inauguration announcements. The mining industry is a top target for those who are fighting for more taxes to better fund state services. (The donors are listed alphabetically on the announcement, but the symbolism isn’t to be missed.)
“I would think the lobbyists and the legislators feel this is a guy they can talk with and that access wasn’t to be seen with Gibbons,” UNR political scientist Eric Herzik said. “He’s definitely well-connected. And the establishment has somebody they can talk to now. But whether that translates into influence remains to be seen.”
Herzik noted, however, that “access is the first key” to influence.
To be sure, the so-called establishment — the cadre of leading Nevada industries and their lobbyists — aren’t the only ones with access to Sandoval. He has made it a point to spend the past two months meeting with a variety of constituencies: Native Americans, city managers, liberal activists, senior citizen activists and others.
“I would tell you that the governor-elect has been as available to what you call establishment representatives as he has to groups that often don’t get to meet with the governor,” his senior policy adviser, Dale Erquiaga, said. “He will have, as he has throughout his public career, an open door. That means information. That does not mean influence.”
Those groups, however, aren’t the ones donating to his inaugural committee. In addition to Barrick, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Las Vegas and the Retailers Association have contributed $25,000.
Donors at the $10,000 and $5,000 level include his employer, the Jones Vargas law firm, Pfizer, United Health and CVS.
Any excess money from the inauguration will be donated to charities that provide treatment for substance abuse and mental health.
Mary Lau, director of the Retailers Association, acknowledged the $25,000 contribution was made to give her members direct access to Sandoval and the legislative leaders who will be at the inaugural balls later this month.
“A lot of times during campaigns, there is so much going on that you just mail in a contribution and there’s no face time associated with the name (on the check),” Lau said. “At these events, you don’t really talk about issues, but you get the face time. And if something comes up later and he needs to make a decision, he knows who you are.”
Erquiaga reiterated access doesn’t translate to influence. “Some of the decisions he will make, you will see people on that sponsorship list won’t like,” he said.
Corporate funding of inaugural celebrations is nothing new in Nevada or across the country. At least a third of the governors elected this year are accepting contributions from large donors and corporations with business before their state legislatures, according to USA Today.
Sandoval’s inaugural planners, however, said they tried to keep the celebration as accessible as possible.
A $100 ticket will get you entrance to one of the two inaugural balls taking place in Reno and Las Vegas at the end of January.
“We’ve got a very general invite for everybody to come, and we picked a price point so that everybody can participate,” said Monte Miller, a Las Vegas businessman and co-chairman of Sandoval’s inaugural committee.
For their part, “the establishment” is a bit uncomfortable at being fingered as having better access to Sandoval than Gibbons. One veteran lobbyist bristled at the description, saying the true difference between Gibbons and Sandoval isn’t who has access and who doesn’t. The two have completely different personalities, he argued.
“With Gibbons you always ran the risk of pissing the guy off,” the lobbyist said. “You ran the risk of somehow making it personal for him.
“So, the only thing the establishment has gained, if that’s what you call it, is access — access and an ear. Whether (Sandoval) ultimately agrees, I don’t know. I’ve known him to be a very independent guy.”
All hail the new King!
He's all bought & paid for.
Slick!
Remove him now before he totally destroys local government and engages in more deception as taxes are raised all over the state except in the cozy corners of Carson City.
'Open Door Policy', lol. Yeah, it's an open door policy for corporations and special interests to get a chance to have a secret handshake with Sandy. The guy is an ex-lobbyist for crying out loud. Talk about the inmates running the asylum.
And look who the top sponsor is. A member of the exact industry that gets away reaping profits in Nevada tax free! In a state struggling for income, the 2nd largest industry operates tax free. So let's cut education and services instead of Barrick and the rest of the mining industry pay their fair share, sounds like a great idea.
Well at least Sandy is following the tea party-republican directive of being pro-corporation and anti-constituent. If the people of Nevada have to suffer so the corporations can make more profits...so be it!
look at this slick greasy slimy maggot...
about to screw our kids...
in favor of mining...
an industry that can NOT leave the state...
that ships profits out of the country...
what a slick greasy slimy MAGGOT!!!
Is the guy that owns the now famous "Fallen Horse Ranch" where Gibbons was injured, did he back Sandoval? (While I sympathize with the horrific nature of the injury, I find it hypocritical that Gibbons and Sandoval have the taxpayers pay for their medical insurance, while trying to take away medical insurance for families with children that have preexisting conditions.)
Does Sandoval and this law firm he continues to retain, Hutchinson something?, do they want parents to abort children that have medical issues? I guess they don't want them having insurance.
Nice to turn on KDOX 1280 AM this morning and hear music (although I'm not a big oldies fan) at least the hypocritical haters, like Hugh Hewitt, Ingram, Humpty something and the others are off the air in the Valley. Maybe they'll see their political allies from the other local paper in the unemployment line. New Year Is Getting Off To A Good Start.
To the victors belong the spoils! Belly up to the trough, Boys!
Snarf, snarf, snarf, guzzle, SQUEAL!, guzzle, snarf, snarf, guzzle, SQUEAL!, guzzle, snarf, SQUEAL!, snarf, ...
We conservatives expected you liberals to attack Sandoval on this article, as you do on every article about him. You would like to see businesses crippled in hopes of getting a little more feed in the govt. trough you're feeding at. But, if businesses leave the state like they have in other states due to over-taxation, where will that leave you? Can we absorb the increased unemployment that would be created? But, if you libs. FOLLOW these businesses to other states or other countries, that would be a good thing---so carry on with your protests for preserving healthy businesses in Nevada.
Richard H. says, "Squeal, squeal, squeal, oh dat feel good, squeal!"
Our state needs at least 3 billion dollars more in the budget Gov Sandoval.
What are you really gonna do about it??
You wanted the job, so i assume you knew you would hit the ground running on this.
listen up boys and girls...
here's the choice...
mining or the children of nevada...
it really is that simple...
huge corporations that ship their profits out of state and out of country...
corporations that can NOT leave...
because the gold and silver and other minerals are in nevada...
or...
the children of nevada...
WAKE THE EFF UP YOU LOSERS!!!
by the way...
if you choose mining...
those neglected kids are gonna drop out of school...
and commit crimes...
and other businesses will refuse to locate here because the masses are not sufficiently educated...
and make no mistake...
this sandoval clown is in the back pocket of big business...
how else does a federal judge become governor...
this maggot is nothing but a slick greasy slimy big toothed clown...
who is going to screw the innocent little kids of nevada...
WAKE THE EFF UP YOU LOSERS!!!
Reid only took 42% of the vote. You Libs had your chance. The people of the Great State of Nevada saw something better. There are consequences of elections. Get used to the idea that another Repub is Gov. All this complaining is sour grapes!
Ah, the usual canard of "NO taxes taxes TAXES!!!" And how has that worked out for Nevada? Oh, we just have the highest unemployment rate in the country. And for all the talk about next door neighbor California having a "toxic" business climate, we've yet to see any sort of "exodus" of businesses from there to here. Perhaps we should finally admit that the "no taxes" gimmick has failed us? And it's time to finally invest in a functional state to get the kind of diversified economy that has been long overdue for quite some time?
Barrick Gold in Nevada produces huge profits for its shareholders, pays minimal taxes to this pathetic bankrupt state, and leaves us with ... a huge hole in the ground? Barrick Gold is counting on Mr. Sandoval to keep it that way. And he will oblige them.
Desert_Vu...
Yu know the score!!!
what i dont understand is how gibbons got along so well up until he became governor
Congratulations, Governor Sandoval.
Now sit down. (He sits and looks up obediently.)
Hit that button there that says we get tax breaks. (He does so without question and smiles.)
Now, hit the no button on that one. (He does so and looks up again, much like a dog that does something right and expects a treat in return.)
Good boy, Governor Sandoval. Good boy.
Sheesh... We are sooooooooooo screwed. He's in their pockets. It's Gibbons Times Two for the next several years.
citizens of nevada...
let me be perfectly clear...
this slick greasy slimy phony smiling big toothed clown you fools elected as governor...
he could care less about your children...
he would much rather see the fat cats from the mining companies strip the land of all that is valuable and pad their pockets even further...
than see your kids get a real education...
what a SLIMY MAGGOT...
and don't be fooled by the spin he puts on the education mess...
a couple of charter schools for the well connected will not do a damn thing to help your kids get a decent education...
NOT A DAMN THING!!!
Richard Hopkins:
Taxes on the upper crust and businesses have never been lower. So where are all those jobs that were to have been created? They've had close to ten years yet we've LOST jobs in that time (despite business PROFITS soaring).
So let's hear your ideas and recommendations.
BTW, not that you asked but if you want to know what actual Liberals think, ask one; don't get the "information" from Fox or hate radio or around-the-world emails. Try going to the source.
California has high state and local taxes. To start a business there are state, county, and neighborhood commissions you have to deal with to get licensed.
They have major cities with major problems like crime, air pollution, immigration, budget crisis, cost of living, and corruption. Yet, they have many fortune five hundred companies and a large number of this countries wealthiest people.
Hmmm what could it be.....
All you posters who espouse such blind loyalty to your Party of choice - be it Dem or Repub. really crack me up. You continue to proclaim the greatness of said chosen Party all the while bad-mouthing the opposing Party. The reality is that BOTH Parties are in it for the RICH EFFING POLITICIANS ONLY - can't anyone see that - NEITHER PARTY gives a flying rats azz about us, the people who cast our votes in their favor in the hopes that maybe, just MAYBE, one of these rich, fat-cat politicians will actually look out for the interest of those they work for - that being the American TAXPAYER.....but alas you all continue to bash - well I'm here to bash BOTH PARTIES because BOTH PARTIES are full of ca-ca
"Barrick Gold in Nevada produces huge profits for its shareholders, pays minimal taxes to this pathetic bankrupt state, and leaves us with ... a huge hole in the ground?"
-----------
Oh how this is so Nevada reality true.
As far as tax-break go....give a Corporation a tax break if and when they can prove the savings will be reinvested into this economy by first - employing Americans (for such things as answering the phone for customer service and tech support etc.) and second by further reinvesting in this economy by not having their products made overseas - esp. in COMMUNIST CHINA. If and when they can prove they will use their tax breaks to help OUR economy and OUR unemployment figures then I'm all for it - BUT - for any Corporation who continues to have people we can't even understand answer the phone every time we call and continue to have everything they represent as a product stamped "MADE IN CHINA".... the hell with tax breaks - let them pay their fair share.
I was going to buy one of those "Heat-Surge" fireplaces that they advertise on tv as being "Made by the Amish".... oh sure, the cabinet is hand-crafted by the Amish .... then I find out all the innerds are NOT made in this country at all. Needless to say I didn't buy a Heat-Surge fireplace :(
And what's so different about Reid and if he would have been elected. Same thing, only Sandoval's a conservative so Greenspun and the Sun are trying to spin it. Let's look into Harry, or Rory's, friends and you'll see the exact same thing with regards to support. You people who make comments like Sandoval's been bought and paid for are just ignorant. Open your eyes. It applies to both parties. It's really hard to believe you people are so naive. The Sun just goes for the low hanging fruit with these biased stories and you guys just follow their lead.
Here we go! The Sun will launch its non-stop attack on a governor who is going to make a difference in this state. He's a business friendly governor, which is good for the state. That kind of attitude will create jobs and bring more business to the state. But I guess the libs just want more taxes shoved down out throats so the state will continue its death spiral.
jke1717, well said. What's hilarious is that the commenters actually think they're smart/enlightened, when in reality, the Sun is just playing with them. Really sad that people are so easily manipulated.
Dave202: "Trying to make a difference in our state?"
Brian Sandoval's policies are a mirror image of the policies of failed Governor Jim Gibbons.
Highest unemployment in the nation, unending foreclosures and the housing slump, decaying social services, etc.
What did Jim Gibbons do to fix ANY of those issues? NOTHING.
What will Brian Sandoval do to fix ANY of those issues? NOTHING.
Sandoval's been a candidate and Governor-elect for almost a year, yet I can't find a single substantive policy difference between him and Gibbons. Not a single substantial difference.
Can you name one?
On one side of the street I hear the creaking of middle class taxpayers backs as they slowly bend back over. On the other side I hear corks popping as CEO's open up expensive bottles of Champaign. On one street I see a school closing, on another I see ground being broken on a new 'For Profit Prison'. The Republicans are back.
Actually Kevin his hard line on the budget deficits pulled the Democratic legislature back from sticking it to us for more tax increases in the last special session. He's also responsible for Nevada keeping its AAA credit rating in this economic doldrum. I don't particularly like the guy but he's done some good work.
Time will tell if Governer Sandoval will represent the working stiffs in Nevada or if he caves in to the leaches on the public dole... butt... in the meantime anyone who can ruffle the birdies feathers and rattle his [its?] cage as he has done cannot be all bad!
in all fairness our political system is so corrupt that it would be impossible to get elected to anything of significance without compromising your principles ... you need a lot of money to run a campaign ... that money has to come from somewhere and those who give money natually have expectations. nothing new here. until warren buffett wants to be president this is the system we've got. u think tea-party elects aren't corrupt as hell also? dream on tubby.
If he'd just quit listening to the self centered like Pete Ernaut and raise taxes on Mining and Steve Wynn (and is ilk) we'd be much better off.
Didn't Harry Reid receive money from the exact same people? Why is it wrong for a republican to get money from big businesses like casinos but not for a democrat?
So this inauguration cost how much? And it was paid for by mining, gaming, pharmaceauticals, Jones Vargas, United Health etc. And, on the same day, Sandoval signed an executive order prohibiting state employees from accepting any gifts. Does anyone see something wrong with this picture besides me? Hypocracy at it's best folks!
The man is a moron. Can he even speak Spanish?
Typical liberal psychological reversal syndrome is on parade on this page and in every article about Sandoval. You libs are already attacking a gov. who has barely been sworn-in, while ignoring the REAL cause of Nevada's economic devastation---the Reid Senate, the Pelosi House and your king at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (accasionally). It is the policies in Washington DC which have killed Nevada's economy. You know, the outlaws you voted for and support.
Mary had a little lamb,
And named it Mr. Sandy;
She dressed it up in a dark business suit,
And fed it lots of Brandy.