CNN recently acquired a new president, Ken Jautz. In what could be interpreted as a step to restore ratings, CNN announced Dec. 7 that Tony Harris was leaving CNN after six years. There still is no indication what his plans are for 2011.
John Roberts, the current anchor of CNN’s “American Morning,” is moving to Atlanta to be a national correspondent and near his fiancée, Kyra Phillips. She is an Atlanta-based CNN anchor. Speculation is that Roberts will replace Harris. Roberts and Phillips are expecting twins soon, which could influence his decision to accept a steady routine in Atlanta.
Jim Gibbons took office as governor of Nevada four years ago. On Jan. 2, 2011, he leaves that position after losing the primary election to Republican challenger Brian Sandoval. What caused Gibbons to fall out of favor with his own party, resulting in what basically is the end of his political career?
I remember Gibbons pledging to do his best for the people and state of Nevada. His wife, Dawn, was beaming at his side, a woman well qualified to be a strong helpmate. Despite a charge of assault by a Las Vegas cocktail waitress, the Governor denied the charge and carried on with his duties. Unfortunately, the woman continued with her claim, bringing additional media attention on the Governor.
Soon after, other incidents distracted him from his job. Rumors of ethics investigations earned a harsher look than previous governors had received so quickly. Gibbons was careless with his social activities; a handsome, picture-worthy individual, he was recognized and recorded during meals and while attending events with other women. Some regarded that as a callous disregard of his wife and children.
A bone of contention between Gibbons and his staff, state senators, and assemblymen was his determination not to raise taxes. Some of the budget shortfall due to this stance was made up by establishing “fees.” Leaders were told to determine how to run their departments with smaller budgets. This may have been in the hope that he would not accumulate the blame, and the department leaders would be seen as the “bad guys.” Citizens saw life changed for the worse, and looked to Gibbons as the cause. Neither Republican nor Democrat lawmakers could sway his position on new taxes.
The Governor filed for divorce in 2008. The First Lady of Nevada, Dawn Gibbons, made it public as she demanded the right to remain in the Governor’s Mansion. Her schedule was quite busy, and she needed the staff, office space, and benefits surrounding the spouse of the current leader. Nevadans who had sloughed off the controversy of taxes, assault, and cheating on his wife took sides on this issue, with the loss of more supporters.
Appointments were missed. Staff members worked with little input from Jim. Nevada led the nation in unemployment, was one of the leading states in home foreclosures, and test results for education remained low while the school dropout rate remained high.
Gibbons’ Chief of Staff, Robin Reedy, maintains that an unsympathetic media affected public perception. Yet, for the past two years, Gibbons has spent little time at the capitol. Former chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education Jim Rogers states that Gibbons failed to lead because he did not work, and because he had no leadership qualities. Gibbons was the first incumbent governor to lose in a primary since state party elections were created in Nevada a hundred years ago.
Recovering from a broken pelvis received while horseback riding should be the most important event on Gibbons’ plate at this time.
