What Is It Going To Be, Mr. Rogers? A Democrat? A Republican?

We've Had Eight Years Of Tax Increases From Our Current Pseudo Republican Governor

by Johnny Gunn

We have a long way to go before August 2006, one full year, and it's apparently going to be a vicious year for politicians. An angry lame-duck governor appears to be more interested in shooting down his enemies than he is in preserving his own political party, and one of those he is squiring to be his replacement has jumped in with both feet. Those feet may not be Republican, but that is of little matter to Governor Guinn, for his own feet have had their political beliefs questioned over the years.

Rogers Appears To Support Ted Kennedy

The head of Nevada's higher education is not making lots of friends among traditional Republicans lately, calling Representative Jim Gibbons mentally unfit to be governor, and it's disclosed that he supported with lots of money, democrats far to the left, such as Ted Kennedy and John Kerry. He is registered at least as a Republican.

For many people party affiliation isn't that important, but when one is governor of the state he or she is the titular head of their party. Democrats would be outraged if their gubernatorial choice was discovered giving money to right-wing interests. Republicans are already screaming about the alleged defection of Rogers.

Kenny Guinn, Nevada's current lame-duck governor has been the titular head of the Republican party for eight years and many died-in-the-wool Republicans will never forgive him that massive tax increase from the 2003 Legislative session. If one is going to be the standard bearer of a particular philosophy, such as Republican or Democrat, one should follow that philosophy in private dealings as well as public.

One thing Mr. Gibbons in known for is fiscal responsibility, all but distinctly opposite Mr. Kennedy. It was Gibbons that created and nursed through the political combat zone the so-called two-thirds majority rule for increased taxes. It was Guinn that fought that tooth and nail, creating his tax increase in 2003. It is Guinn who is touting Rogers to be our next governor. Even the staunchest tax and spend democrat can smell more than a rat here.

Some say Rogers has been a registered Republican for 40 years or so, but there are too many questions dealing with political support that aren't answered by simply registering in a political party. There is no question about the political philosophy of Mr. Gibbons. He could rightly claim the title Mr. Republican if he so wished. There are multiple questions as to Mr. Rogers' political philosophies, and if he wishes to carry the Republican standard, those questions will have to be answered.

Rogers Says: "Gibbons Not Very Bright"

Rogers has said he doesn't think Gibbons could handle the job of governor in Nevada, but he hasn't based that on a single item. He has raised the issue of education, but he might want to keep in mind that it was Gibbons that promulgated the concept of "education first" as a statewide ballot measure that won overwhelming support among the electorate.

Rogers it seems enjoys talking out of at least two sides of his mouth on a regular basis. When he was being discussed as Higher Education system chancellor, Rogers said he would stay at that position if he were chosen. Within weeks he appears to be running for governor.

During the 2003 legislative session, it was Gibbons' two-thirds majority rule on taxes that created a huge rift within legislative Republican ranks. Guinn promoted a massive tax increase and many members of his own party fought him all the way to the Supreme Court to stop legislation. Guinn won that round but has been holding a grudge against those who opposed him ever since. Among those on his apparent hit list are Gibbons and Senator Bob Beers.

Guinn has been touting anyone who will step forward to challenge Gibbons. He even went so far as to take Reno Mayor Bob Cashell to lunch to convince him to run. He has been promoting a possible Jim Rogers candidacy with who so ever might listen.

Rogers says Gibbons doesn't have very many great leadership qualities. Mr. Rogers, we have one little question for you: Do you believe owning a few television stations means you have better leadership qualities than the man who has been representing Nevada in the U.S. Congress for 16 years?

Let's Clean It Up Boys

An old and dear friend used to calm things down around the saloons in central Nevada when voices were raised and fists were clenched. He'd say, rather quietly, "It's adult time, boys and girls." That seemed to work pretty well, and some of those looking for political office might keep the thought in mind. Leadership often means, "follow me," and I would much rather follow an adult than a squalling brat making unseemly threats.

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