EARLY VOTERS BEWARE
Gibbons' silence is deafening to those eager to participate in democracy
BY GEORGE HARRIS

George Harris is publisher of Liberty Watch: The Magazine. He is also a political activist and successful Southern Nevadan businessman. Reach Harris at gopgeorge@earthlink.net  Other stories by George Harris

Wondering what your next governor is going to do for you? Me too. Like a proud Republican, I've depended on our candidates to agree to fair debates on a date - convenient or not - to all. The voters are the ones who matter, and anyone seeking to serve the public should somehow find time to prove themselves to the voting masses. With Kenny Guinn nearing the end of a questionably questionable tenure, it has been troubling to digest what little candidates, other than state Sen. Bob Beers, have communicated and proved to me - considering my vote come August.

I know most candidates have something to say, but being an early voter and all, I recognize that the front runner is preventing a debate. This is before I normally vote. Is he discouraging early voting? I don't know. Jim isn't speaking. To me, his silence is not just an insult, it's a disappointment to my pride as a Nevada Republican eager to participate in democracy. He wants my vote, but refuses to distinguish himself from the other options one-on-one. It's cowardly, plain and simple. 

Gibbons leads the pack of gubernatorial candidates thanks to his tenure as a Congressman. But we must not forget that our president's administration passed Jimbo over for several key leadership positions. Gibbons has spent 10 years in the House, but couldn't convince colleagues to support him for jobs like chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, despite his combat background in two significant wars. To me, that says something about his decision-making ability.

But I shouldn't decide on those merits. Rather, I'd like to hear Gibbons address these matters before a Nevada-wide audience. Problem is, I'm an early voter.

True Republican and small-government-minded Bob Beers called on Gibbons to stop denying Nevada voters the opportunity to see their candidates in a debate. Beers even announced he is even willing to change his campaign schedule if necessary to accommodate his opponent. No dice yet.

Despite promises to debate after filing closed in May, Gibbons has only agreed to two debates, Aug. 4 and Aug. 11.

"For months, we have all had to listen to debate excuses - that it was not fair to exclude anyone who had not filed, that he could not miss any congressional votes, that his schedule is too busy, that he doesn't have enough vacation time," Beers said. "Yet Gibbons continues to return to Nevada for personal and campaign purposes when they suit him."

This is a bottom-line issue: Displaying a willingness to discuss policies and issues in a public forum is something that Nevada voters have a right to demand from those seeking their state's highest office. 

Gibbons can make whatever excuses he likes, but it has become painfully apparent that he is too intimidated to face Beers in a debate. Yet, the Gibbons camp seems to be of the mindset that they can do what they want without being accessible.

"There is no reason to cheat early voters out of a candid discussion of the issues," Beers said. "Gibbons originally said he would debate after the May filing deadline and he will debate several times prior to early voting if he has any honor whatsoever."

Voters deserve a discussion between Beers and his opponents. Gibbons is opposed to the Taxpayers and Spending Control, which should leave true conservatives in a state of shock. Gibbons is also opposed to repealing the state gas tax. Why won't he explain himself?

"When you look at his record, you'll find Gibbons has missed congressional votes and has been absent from Congress on several occasions for reasons much less important than a gubernatorial debate," Beers said. "He doesn't seem to have any problems scheduling media interviews or speeches either, which demonstrates just how disingenuous his arguments are. If he is simply attempting to protect his supposed 'fron trunner' status, then he should say that."

As an early voter, I wish Gibbons would agree to a debate. If he truly represents Nevada, he has to spend time in this state between now and August. Discussing issues should be second nature, that is, if Nevadans mean that much to him. LW