Gibbons appoints two Nevada lawyers to Gaming Commission

CARSON CITY -- Prominent Las Vegas lawyers Joe Brown and John Moran Jr. were named Friday by Gov. Jim Gibbons to the powerful state Gaming Commission, which oversees Nevada's multibillion-dollar gambling industry.

Brown, who is stepping down as a Republican national committeeman to take the commission post, replaces Sue Wagner, a former GOP legislator and lieutenant governor.

Moran left the Gaming Commission after eight months to run as a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, but then dropped out of the 2006 contest. He replaces longtime Gaming Commission member Art Marshall, a Democrat.

In announcing the new appointments, Gibbons said the commission is recognized around the world as the "pre-eminent gaming authority" and Moran and Brown "will continue that lofty reputation of integrity and credibility."

Brown, 67, who has practiced law in Nevada for about 40 years, is head of the Jones Vargas law firm in Las Vegas and has long been active in the GOP. He also served on the state Athletic Commission and on the Nevada Wildlife Commission.

Moran, 62, who has practiced law in the state for about 34 years, is a former sheriff's deputy and also served on the Colorado River Commission and the state Wildlife Commission. He's the son of late Clark County Sheriff John Moran Sr.

Gibbons praised Wagner and Marshall for their time on the commission.

Both had served on the panel since 1997.