Private sponsors tapped for Sandoval’s ball, reception, events

CARSON CITY -- Gov.-elect Brian Sandoval will rely largely on contributions from wealthy supporters and businesses to cover the costs of receptions, balls and events associated with his Jan. 3 inauguration.

"The governor's belief is taxpayers shouldn't foot these bills," said Dale Erquiaga, Sandoval's deputy transition director, on Wednesday.

The GOP governor-elect has created the Sandoval Inaugural Political Action Committee to raise funds for some of the costs. Tickets to the inaugural ball are $100 each.

Erquiaga said the names of donors and the amount they contribute will be reported. Any leftover funds will be given to charities. He did not know how much the inauguration events will cost.

Earlier this week, USA Today reported that at least one-third of newly elected governors are taking contributions from the wealthy and big business to pay for inauguration events. Florida's governor has taken $2 million, according to the newspaper.

The national Common Cause organization decried the new governors' reliance on contributions, contending companies are giving money to gain access to them.

Nevada state government faces a revenue shortfall of at least $1 billion as the state Legislature prepares to go into session in February.

Sandoval intends to hold a state dinner at the Governor's Mansion the evening of his inauguration for state legislators, other elected officials, Supreme Court justices and his immediate staff. He also will have a public reception for everyone in the Nevada State Library in Carson City shortly after he is sworn into office at noon Jan. 3 in front of the state Capitol.

During his campaign, Sandoval reported $3.35 million in contributions, including $10,000 on Sept. 30 from Brady Industries, whose president, former legislator Bill Brady, has been named as one of the inauguration's co-chairman.

Brady, a member of the state Athletic Commission, has become known as a big donor to Republicans.

Former first lady Dema Guinn will be the honorary chairwoman for all the inaugural events. Besides Brady, other inaugural co-chairs are Gail Jaquish, Monte Miller and Rick Reviglio.

Among the sponsors of inaugural events are Barrick Gold, Las Vegas Sands Corp., MGM Resorts, Silver Legacy, Sunrise Health Systems and Wynn Resorts.

Erquiaga said Gov. Jim Gibbons has agreed to vacate the Governor's Mansion by Jan. 1.

Sandoval, his wife Kathleen, and their children, James, 15, Maddie, 14, and Marissa, 6, will not move in until after the inauguration.

They also will keep their Reno home. Kathleen Sandoval intends to keep her job as a program director at the Children's Cabinet in Reno. The children will finish the school year at their current Reno schools. No decision has been made whether they will attend Carson City schools next fall.

But Erquiaga said the primary residence of the entire family will be the Governor's Mansion.

Former Govs. Bob List, Richard Bryan and Bob Miller have accepted invitations to attend the inauguration, according to Erquiaga, but Gibbons, who was trounced by Sandoval in the Republican primary in June, will be out of state and will not attend.

Former governor and former U.S. Sen. Paul Laxalt, 88, also has been invited, but may not be able to attend.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.