GOP Gov Vulnerable in Nevada Primary

For the first time in Nevada’s history, it’s looking as if the incumbent governor will be defeated in the party primary.

Nevada is poised to watch an electoral first as U.S. District Court Judge Brian Sandoval continues to lead in the polls ahead of incumbent Governor Jim Gibbons.  For the first time in the state’s history, it’s looking as if the incumbent governor will be defeated in the party primary.

According to recent polls, Sandoval is leading Gibbons by 22 points.  However, in an effort to maintain optimistic sentiment in the last hours of his campaign, Gibbons continues to reference previous races in which candidates who were trailing in the polls were able to pull ahead in the end – such as Senator John Ensign’s 1994 conservative victory over incumbent Rep. Jim Bilbray.

Gibbons’ recent comments on plans to “celebrate” regardless of whether or not he wins or loses tonight’s Republican primary show that the candidate intends to end the day with his head held high… which is surprising, considering Gibbons’ past four years as governor have been primarily categorized by numerous allegations of infidelity and deplorable affairs.

In fact, the incumbent’s scandalous past was one of Sandoval’s leading motivators to run against Gibbons (for whom he incidentally voted in 2006).

On the one hand, Gibbons’ has continued to maintain that an outpouring of conservative support is still a viable possibility that will ensure his success in tonight’s primary.  And on the other, the candidate continues to talk about his grueling, stressful lifestyle as a public figure in a manner which has led many to believe that – at the end of the day – he will be happy to celebrate having to give up his seat as governor to Sandoval.