Gibbons’ 2007 travel expenses to increase

RENO -- Nevada taxpayers are going to shell out more this year for the governor's travel bill, and some Democrats aren't happy about it.

Republican Gov. Jim Gibbons asked the Legislature earlier this year for $25,000 to cover his out-of-state travel. That's more than double the $10,500 past-Gov. Kenny Guinn spent his last year in office.

Now it turns out Gibbons forgot to request the $37,000 he said he needs for security on those out-of-state trips.

An interim legislative panel approved the extra money Thursday but not without some complaints from Democrats that it is three times as much as Guinn spent on his traveling security.

Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, said she doesn't understand why Gibbons needs two highway patrol troopers instead of the one that accompanied past governors.

Public Safety Director Phil Galeoto said Gibbons' security detail is based on the continuous risk assessments by his department.

Gibbons' legal counsel, Josh Hicks, said Gibbons is "more proactive" about traveling than Guinn.

So far, Gibbons has traveled to Mexico City, Phoenix and the California border to focus attention on immigration issues.

Later this year, he plans trips to Hawaii and Dana Point, Calif., for conferences sponsored by the Republican Governors Association. He's also going to Washington, D.C., twice as part of his duties as co-chairman of the governor's association's Homeland Security Committee.