LAS VEGAS – Rep. Jim Gibbons (search), a conservative Republican, announced Wednesday he will run for governor next year with an agenda emphasizing education and government restraint.
"We can always do better and we will by making sure government respects the wishes of those who fund it — the hardworking taxpayers," Gibbons told supporters.
Polls indicate Gibbons is the early GOP front-runner to succeed Gov. Kenny Guinn (search), a moderate Republican who will leave office at the end of 2006 after two, four-year terms.
Gibbons begins his campaign with $1 million in the bank and a strong network of grassroots support throughout the state.
Two other Republicans, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt (search) and state Sen. Bob Beers (search) of Las Vegas, already have announced their candidacies. Senate Minority leader Dina Titus (search), a Democrat from Las Vegas, also has said she will run.
Other Democrats, including Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson (search) and Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins (search) of Henderson, were considering whether to enter the race.
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