GIBBONS ADDRESSES ANTI-TAX PROTESTERS

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Jim Gibbons told a crowd of about 250 anti-tax protesters Friday afternoon that he was proud to have stood up to the "liberal legislative leaders" by vetoing the bill raising taxes by $781 million.

"I am very proud the silent majority is no longer silent," he told an enthusiastic crowd gathered on the mall between the Legislative Building and state Capitol. "I was proud to stand up against raising taxes."

The crowd gathered on "Tax Freedom Day," the day in the year when the average person is estimated to have earned enough income to cover the annual tax bite. The protest was organized by the same people who put together a "Tea Party" protest on April 15 that attracted 2,000 to the state capital.

Friday's protesters, however, arrived six hours after the Assembly finished overriding Gibbons' veto of Senate Bill 429. The Senate had overridden the veto Thursday night.

Too many legislators "think you want big government at a time you can't afford it," Gibbons said.

Six of seven Republican Assembly members who voted against the tax increases also addressed the crowd.

Assemblyman Chad Christensen, R-Las Vegas, said many lawmakers speak of "saving schools and saving children, but we also need to save the economy."

"The liberals never saw a tax they didn't hike," added Assemblyman Don Gustavson, R-Sparks.

Most protesters carried signs blasting U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and President Barack Obama.

"We are angry and we are united," said Debbie Landis, who organized the protest.

She was given a proclamation signed by Gibbons that saluted her for her efforts.

By ED VOGEL/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL CAPITAL BUREAU