Politicians, the Buffalo, Child Haven youngsters all score big

Searchlight Harry's hanging tough. GOP John remains Mr. Popularity.

At least, that's what the recent Public Opinion Strategies' statewide poll shows.

The poll measured Gov. Jim Gibbons making a comeback from the depths to an almost average 48 percent approval rating. The survey, conducted by GOP pollster Glen Bolger on behalf of the Nevada Republican Party, compiled a couple of other noteworthy items.

For example, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid enjoyed a 53 percent favorable rating and a 43 percent unfavorable rating. Considering the Democrat hasn't exactly been shy about criticizing everyone from President Bush to Gen. Peter Pace, the survey shows Nevadans either love or hate the Senator from Searchlight.

Nevada's junior Sen. John Ensign's favorable ratio was 61 percent positive and 21 percent negative. The Republican was in the news recently to announce that embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales had promised to hire seven new attorneys and other support staff for Nevada's overwhelmed U.S. attorney's office.

A recent Gallup Poll found that just 14 percent of American voters have much faith in the institution of Congress. (And only 22 percent had confidence in the newspaper.)

BUFFALO'S SCORE: It's official. Auto shop owner "Buffalo Jim" Barrier has recorded a $1 million lien against his controversial Industrial Road neighbor, the Crazy Horse Too topless club. Barrier and club owner Rick Rizzolo have been at odds for many years, and now it appears the bearded Buffalo has the upper hand.

The sale of the cabaret is past due. The forced sale is part of the imprisoned Rizzolo's settlement with the federal government.

Word is Barrier will gladly trade his lien interest for one-third of the club.

KINGSTON RANCH: Over in Sandy Valley, Project Sunshine is sending 74 youngsters from Child Haven for three days on the range at attorney Al Marquis' Kingston Ranch. The children will have a chance to swim, rock climb, practice their archery and arts and crafts skills, and hang out with the horses at the dude ranch.

Project Sunshine is a not-for-profit organization that provides free camps and recreational programs for children facing some of life's greatest challenges. And those kids at Child Haven certainly qualify.

BIG DOG MEMORIES: In his life, straight-talking Tom Wiesner was a college football star, successful businessman, county commissioner, university regent, Republican national committeeman and tireless booster of Las Vegas and UNLV sports.

Wiesner died of leukemia five years ago this week, but true to his indefatigable nature, his legacy lives on in many ways.

Beyond the affection of his family and friends, perhaps the most obvious reminder of the Big Dog is the blossoming UNLV-Wisconsin football rivalry. Wiesner played football at Wisconsin and remained true to both schools.

The Badgers come to Las Vegas on Sept. 8 to take on the Rebels in UNLV's first home game of the season.

These days you'll find Wiesner's son, Kurt Wiesner, operating the family pub business, which includes Big Dog's Brewing Co. at the Draft House.

You gotta love the Big Dog.

COLLEGE MAN: Caesars Palace pit boss Steve Lake must be a big believer in higher education. When he dropped by the campus of the University of Central Arkansas on May 14, it marked the 400th college he's visited. He was honored by the Arkansas school and was introduced to its president, Lu Hardin, and several other campus officials.

Visiting college campuses isn't Lake's only hobby. He has visited all 50 state capitals and 45 Major League Baseball parks.

ON THE BOULEVARD: The "Nina's Night Out" fundraiser for the Rape Crisis Center of Southern Nevada at the Palms generated more than $70,000 in cash and in excess of $300,000 in advertising and in-kind benefits. Not a bad night's work for local TV anchor Nina Radetich. ... Friends of Michael Ponzio, who was killed when his car collided with a car traveling the wrong way on an offramp at Interstate 15 and Sunset Road on March 17, are still waiting for the driver's blood test results. Ponzio, a 1997 Durango High graduate, was 27. ... Wednesday marked the 60th anniversary of the murder of Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel. I noticed no one offered a moment of silence, or even a tip of the fedora, to honor the passing of one of our most intriguing founding fathers.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? E-mail comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 383-0295.