The Legislature isn't yet in session, and Gov. Jim Gibbons hasn't finished unpacking his boxes, but incoming Republican Assembly Minority Leader Garn Mabey of Las Vegas is taking a thumping for failing to interrupt his medical practice and fly to Carson City for this week's inauguration.

If Gibbons missed Mabey's presence, he hasn't registered an official complaint, but GOP knife-fighter Chuck Muth continues to whittle on the assemblyman. In a widely circulated e-mail message, Muth wrote, "Also conspicuous by his absence was newly elected Assembly Minority Leader Garn Mabey ... who happens to be from the same party as the new Governor. What an insult."

Mabey, a local gynecologist, said he hadn't intended to insult anyone, but he was busy earning a living prior to the start of the '07 session, during which time his practice will lose a bundle. He was also working on a legislative proposal that would enable retired physicians to return to practice as volunteers to assist indigent Nevadans in need of medical attention.

Sounds like worthy work to me.

"I just thought, it's the governor's time," Mabey said. "I'm proud he's our governor. But I didn't go."

What Mabey didn't say was the thought of sitting in the Carson City cold for a swearing-in ceremony is almost as uncomfortable as it is boring.

"I stayed home and worked to make a nickel," said Mabey, who has been criticized for not striking a tougher posture in his caucus. "I figure when the session starts I'll be up there for four months and will sacrifice a lot. For somebody to complain that I didn't go up and stand in cold weather and listen to the inauguration, it's asinine."

Interestingly, Mabey's taking more hits in conservative Republican circles for his no-show than out-going Gov. Kenny Guinn for his absence.

BECKER'S BUSINESS: Former Supreme Court Justice Nancy Becker is considering accepting a newly created position as an appellate attorney in the district attorney's office. Before she can accept the job, however, District Attorney David Roger will have to analyze his budget to find the necessary funds to pay Becker's salary.

REID'S RENAISSANCE: CNN's Dana Bash is the latest national reporter to sketch the character and background of Nevada Sen. Harry Reid. In "The Situation Room" earlier this week, Bash interviewed Reid at his Searchlight home, talked about his Nevada roots, Mormon faith, and eclectic tastes in music (the Cowboy Junkies gets a plug) and magazines ("People" is one of his favorites).

My favorite Reid quote: "I'm a pessimist about everything in life. That way I have fewer disappointments."

Sounds pretty somber for a guy who finds himself on top of the Democratic political world.

ETHICS MEETING: The Nevada Center for Public Ethics has scheduled a public meeting for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Flamingo Library's theater. Among the topics of discussion are several upcoming legislative proposals. The center is the creation of ethicist Craig Walton.

So why do I suspect the public officials who could most benefit from an ethics update won't be in attendance?

ON THE BOULEVARD: More union organizing rumors swirling from Wynn Las Vegas following management's decision to include floor personnel in the dealers' tip pool and a complaint this week with the National Labor Relations Board. Some of the dealers are being very, very careful not to let their identities become known for fear of reprisal. ... Dice dealer Robert "Razorback" Hendrix died recently at age 79. The Arkansas native opened the first MGM Grand and was there the day the pleasure palace burned. The Navy veteran and 44-year Las Vegan spent 27 years chasing the galloping dominoes on the Strip.

BOULEVARD II: Longtime locals who fondly remember the Batter Beater Café will want to know that it's back in business at 222 S. Decatur Blvd. on the site of the former Fasolini's Pizza Café. This time around, the Batter Beater has added Korean specialties to its All-American café lineup. ... Jerry Tao, who ran a spirited and unsuccessful campaign for county commissioner, has joined Ayala and Associates as a partner. Tao is an ex-deputy DA and former chief speechwriter for Harry Reid.

BOULEVARD III: Former Clark County Commissioner Thalia Dondero is recovering from a broken arm. No truth to the rumor it happened while she was arm-wrestling. ... Metro Deputy Chief Mike Ault is retiring after 34 years with the department.

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