Gibbons turns down Obama meeting

Gov. Jim Gibbons said today he has turned down an opportunity to meet President Barack Obama when he comes to town Tuesday, after earlier blasting the president for not agreeing to a meeting.

Gibbons was offered the chance to meet Obama at the airport Tuesday evening when Air Force One arrives in Las Vegas, the governor said in a news release, but declined.

“While I appreciate the offer, I am not interested in a handshake and a hello from President Obama, I am interested in an apology and plan to undo the damage the President did,” Gibbons said in the release.

Gibbons has been sharply critical of Obama for telling a town hall earlier this year that he didn't think federal bailout money should be used for Las Vegas junkets. The remark cost the state's economy millions in canceled meetings and conventions, Gibbons claims.

Gibbons had requested a meeting with Obama and local business leaders to discuss the matter. Last week, Gibbons announced that the president had declined to meet with him and accused him of "hypocrisy" for his willingness to host a fundraiser in the state he supposedly insulted.

Obama is scheduled to host a star-studded fundraiser for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Tuesday night at Caesars Palace. On Wednesday, Obama is scheduled to hold an event touting the federal stimulus package at Nellis Air Force Base.

Contact reporter Molly Ball at mball@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2919.