Jim Gibbons considering gubernatorial run in 2006

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., might consider a bid for governor in Nevada in 2006, he told a group of Northern Nevada businessmen Thursday.

"I said 10 years ago that I'd love to be governor of Nevada," he said. "I haven't changed my mind."

Gibbons, who was elected to represent the 2nd District in 1996, said he's considering all options, including a run for U.S. Senate some time in the future.

"Right now, my staff and I are putting together a three-year plan, looking at what it takes to get the necessary support," he said. "We've got to be prepared in this day and age, and we're looking at every opportunity."

Gibbons recently considered making a bid for the Senate seat occupied by Harry Reid, D-Nev., but decided against it, saying his work on numerous committees, including the armed services committee and committee on homeland security, require a full-time effort on his part.

Amy Spanbauer, Gibbons' press secretary, said he is not commenting on efforts to recall Gov. Kenny Guinn.

"He's running for re-election in the House in 2004," she said. "Any other political bids will come in 2006."

Gibbons announced his possible candidacy at a luncheon meeting hosted by the Northern Nevada Development Authority to a near-capacity crowd. The topics centered around efforts by Congress to promote business in Nevada.

A well-educated work force, together with a business-friendly tax system and a stable state government, are critical to attracting business. Education should come first, when it comes to budget considerations, Gibbons said.

"When you save education only by raising taxes, you've done a tremendous disservice to the state, the economy and the kids," he said. "The quality of education in Nevada is only as good as our commitment."

"We need to make education a financial priority in the Legislature," he said. "When you save education only by raising taxes, you've done a tremendous disservice to the state, the economy and the kids."

A Nevada native, Gibbons earned a bachelor's degree in geology and a master's in mining/geology from the University of Nevada, Reno. He earned a law degree from Southwestern Universty School of Law and completed his post-graduate work at the University of Southern California, both in Los Angeles.

A combat pilot in both Viet Nam and the Persian Gulf, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1971 and joined the Nevada Air Guard in 1975. He was that group's vice commander from 1990 to1996.

In addition to serving on the permanent committee on intelligence and the committee on homeland security, Gibbons is on a number of caucuses, including the House gaming, the Western, rural caucus and U.S. Air Force caucuses.