Dispute between Rory Reid, firefighters starting to smolder

If Clark County firefighters aren't yet under Rory Reid's skin, it's not for a lack of trying.

First there was the bruising "Rory Reid's Threat" commercial that blasts the Clark County commissioner and Democratic gubernatorial candidate for his efforts to close a heavy rescue fire engine unit in a budget-cutting decision.

Now the firefighters have leased a mobile billboard draped in the "Rory Reid's Threat" theme. The truck and trailer circled the Clark County Government Center on Tuesday while Reid was attending a commission meeting. At one point security asked the driver of the billboard to keep moving if he didn't have business with the county.

Does monkey business count?

On Monday, the sign was positioned near a Reid fundraiser at Panorama Court.

Will Reid return fire?

Inside the firefighters union, members opened their wallets to help fund the Reid criticism. Most of their ire stems from statements Reid made about the union in the local media. One source also noted Reid's apparent lack of support for privatizing the fire services at McCarran International Airport was taken as a possible sign of a positive change.

Obviously, the relationship is a work in progress.

"I have an obligation to balance my budget," Reid said. "I'm proud of the fact we've balanced the county budget in good times and bad. I've been dogged about it, and I won't be bullied. Nobody's going to intimidate me. If they think they're going to get me to change my mind by following me around, they're mistaken. I'm not going to hold my finger to the political winds. I'm going to leave Clark County on firm financial ground, and I'll do that whatever the consequences are to my political career.

"What they're saying is not true. ... Their allegations are false. ... When the facts come out, they will prove the rightness of my cause."

ANGLE SIGHTINGS: Senate hopeful Sharron Angle continued her odd behavior Wednesday in Reno, where she addressed a small gathering of reporters for a few minutes on the subject of taxes, then scurried out the back door of a local business. Reporters pursued her but seemed stunned.

The video is being used by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's campaign. Angle looked afraid, and that's never a good thing in politics.

On Thursday at Brady Industries in Las Vegas, Angle continued her death tax march and answered a few questions limited to that topic. Then she retreated to the industrial laundry for a tour amid stifling political and apolitical hot air.

Angle didn't note the irony of a photo-op held at an industrial laundry that benefits from contracts with CityCenter, the completion of which her opponent worked to support. She has said that, as a senator, she would not have advocated for CityCenter.

GOP PEACE: At Mundo restaurant downtown, owner George Harris played the unfamiliar role of peacemaker Wednesday night, bringing together Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Sandoval with former state Sen. Bob Beers and conservative political trail boss Chuck Muth. Sandoval's fundraiser was well-attended, and Beers and Muth can help him with Nevada conservatives.

COOL 'CATS: Before they were lawyers, doctors, business titans, and just plain working stiffs raising families, they were Las Vegas Wildcats.

Las Vegas High has a storied history, and its list of celebrated alumni is long. On Sept. 11 at Sam's Town, an annual Wildcat reunion will take place that graduate Carole Montalto says should be one for the record books.

This year the undefeated Wildcat football team of 1944 will be honored. The team held its opponents scoreless.

For information: lvhsaa.com.

GOV. GUINN: On my blog at lvrj.com, former Nevada Govs. Richard Bryan and Bob Miller share their thoughts about former Gov. Kenny Guinn, who died Thursday at age 73.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? E-mail comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295. He also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/smith.