Gibbons Upset Over Government Report; Reid Responds

Governor Jim Gibbons expressed anger and disappointment in the Obama Administration after evidence surfaced that federal agencies have specifically been told to avoid holding conferences, meetings or conventions in Nevada. On Thursday, the "Wall Street Journal" reported on e-mails from the FBI, which ask staff to avoid resort/gambling cities like Las Vegas, Reno or Orlando when holding official meetings. The directive suggested other destinations, such as Chicago and Milwaukee, although it doesn't specifically "ban" any city from travel.  Nevertheless, Nevada officials are calling it a de facto "blacklist" that will further damage the state's already struggling tourist economy.  Gibbons is calling on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and the rest of Nevada's Congressional delegation to pressure President Obama to soften the government's policy on travel to Nevada. Appearing on KXNT Thursday morning, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman was outraged over the report, calling it "defamatory," "nonsense," and "outrageous."

Senator Reid's office released a statement Thursday, in which Reid noted that the government travel memos in question date back to 2006, during the Bush Administration.  Senator Reid said he recently sent a letter to White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel questioning the travel policy.  In a letter to Reid dated July 14th, Emanuel clarified the White House's position on government meetings, saying "I agree that federal policy should not dictate where such government events are held."  Emanuel went on to say, "Our view on the issue of government travel is not focused on specific destinations, but rather on the justification for and the cost/benefit ratio of the individual exercise."

Based on Emanuel's letter, Reid said "I applaud President Obama's decision to reverse this policy."