Las Vegas NowGovernor Gibbons Could Set Veto Record

Governor Gibbons Could Set Veto Record

Governor Jim Gibbons is on pace for more vetoes than any other head of state in Nevada's history.

His next veto will come Thursday when he will say no to nearly $800 million in new taxes to balance the state budget. That was just one of the revelations during an interview with Eyewitness News.

With less than a week left to define the 2009 session, Governor Jim Gibbons is fighting for headlines and control of the legislature. For months, it's been about fighting their attitude.

"We're going to show the governor that he's irrelevant," said Governor Jim Gibbons, (R) Nevada referring to lawmakers.

So far, Gibbons has vetoed nine bills, and he will veto the tax package. The governor knows democrats have sizeable majorities in both houses in Carson city.

"Complete authority and the power to ram through anything they want," Gibbons said.

So Gibbons wants to focus on other issues including a one-sided war of words with President Barack Obama.

"Any time the president speaks, people listen," Gibbons said. He believes the now infamous quote about "coming to Vegas on the taxpayer dime...." 

"Didn't help at all," he said.

The governor says an unnamed federal agency had to cancel a trip to Las Vegas because of pressure from the Obama administration. One simple comment carried a lot of power during an economic downturn.

"You can't just say it was just the economy or the president. It's a combination of both," said Gibbons.

One small boost to the economy could come in the form of domestic partnerships. Gibbons vetoed a bill allowing those contracts. Gibbons says the state's constitutional ban is clear.

"The public in the state of Nevada have already spoken."

Yet when pressed about his personal opinions, Gibbons points to a law he did sign, banning discrimination against such couples.

"I've got a close number of personal friends who are gay."

Gibbons says those who call him a bigot are wrong.

"I have no phobias about homosexuality. None. This was a statement about the constitution versus the law."

Governor Gibbons only needs four more vetoes to break the all time mark at 12. Lawmakers have been gathering votes all week to override him on domestic partnership and the tax package. Governor Gibbons stands by his policy of no new taxes and a balanced, smaller budget.