Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons is holding a grudge against Barack Obama:
The White House offered Gibbons the chance to greet Obama after he lands tomorrow evening for a fundraiser at Caesar’s Palace for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. But Gibbons, a Republican, declined because he was insulted by a comment the president had made about Vegas a few months ago, although he says he’s asked Obama to meet with him “to discuss improving tourism and business travel to Nevada.”
“While I appreciate the offer, I am not interested in a handshake and a hello from President Obama, I am interested in an apology and plan to undo the damage the President did,” Gibbons said in a statement posted on his Web site.
“Working families are suffering because of the President’s remarks."
At issue is a comment Obama made in February:
“We’re going to do something to strengthen the banking system," Mr. Obama said, “You are not going to be able to give out these big bonuses until you pay taxpayers back. You can't get corporate jets. You can't go take a trip to Las Vegas or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayers' dime. There's got to be some accountability and some responsibility.”
So there you have it. Three months ago, the tourism industry in Las Vegas was humming until Obama said bankers weren't going to be able to take luxury junkets on the taxpayers dime, which naturally meant that every Joe and Jane Q. Public who were packing their bags for Vegas, cancelled their trip. Or not.