Sandoval builds a legacy

There comes a time in every Nevada governor's tenure when a certain something gels in his public persona. He goes from visitor in the governor's mansion to leader of the state. From politician to patrician. A fountain of ephemeral rhetoric to the builder of Nevada legacy.

It's tough to do. Some governor's did it (Mike O'Callaghan comes immediately to mind) and some simply couldn't make the transition.

Gov. Brian Sandoval may be one of those rare office holders on the verge of making that transition. A story from the Las Vegas Sun might be exhibit A in the case for this governor transcending everyday politics and becoming  beloved by the people in this special state.

I love this observation from the story:

"Sandoval jingled a pants’ pocket, with the coins printed with the governor’s face on one side and the state seal on the other. They’ve been a tradition for Nevada governors for years.

“'I carry extra coins with me wherever I go, so if I see kids, I can hand it to them,' he said. 'It’s a big deal to the kids. You want them to have as many positive experiences as you can make.'"

You can read the rest of the story here.

PS:  I'll have to root around my desk, but I think I can come up with a coin Gov. Mike O'Callaghan gave me when I was a snot-nosed cub reporter doing temporary duty as the editor of the Ely Daily times.

PPS: As I have a special affinity for rural Nevada, I especially appreciated Gov. Sandoval's desire to get out of the office and visit more often the remote parts of the state. It's amazing to me that statewide officeholders do so little of that. I'm sure it comes down to a numbers game for politicians. Las Vegas, Reno, Las Vegas, Reno, Las Vegas, Reno. But if statewide leader has not driven Highway 6 from Tonopah to Ely (there can't be more than 10 votes on the entire stretch) or driven the "old" way and the "new" way from Las Vegas to Lund, then I challenge the legitimate use of the term "leader."