IAP feels the need for speed, backs gov candidate with bold highway plan

A leading member of the Independent American Party in Nevada is stepping aside in the race for governor to back a candidate whose boldest budget proposal would sell drivers the right to speed on state highways.

Floyd Fitzgibbons, the IAP candidate for governor, said recently he endorses independent Eugene "Gino" DiSimone for the office.

In an e-mail to supporters Fitzgibbons said he agrees enough with DiSimone, a former IAP candidate for Congress, on the issues that it isn't worth it for the two men to split votes in the upcoming election.

"This was not a decision that I arrived at lightly. I considered my friends who nominated me as a candidate for the Independent American Party," Fitzgibbons wrote. "I hope that all to whom I am sending this letter will understand why I am taking this position and whether they agree with me or not will support me in a decision which I personally believe in my heart to be the right one." Fitzgibbons and DiSimone are among seven candidates for governor, including major party candidates Republican Brian Sandoval and Democrat Rory Reid.

DiSimone, an independent, hasn't cracked the top tier of candidates with a strong showing in any credible poll or enough campaign contributions to run a winning campaign. But he has made some waves in the race with his proposed "free limit" plan, which would allow drivers the right to pay for the privilege to drive up to 90 miles per hour on designated highways. DiSimone says it will raise as much as $3.8 billion and allow him to balance the state budget without raising taxes or borrowing money.