Sun: Gibbons may lose GOP support, face contested reelection primary

The Las Vegas Sun's David McGrath Schwarz ran a story in Wednesday's paper about Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) and the support -- or lack thereof -- he can expect from his party as he seeks reelection in a few years.

Schwarz's story says Gibbons, whose first term has been wracked with scandal, could face a primary challenge from fellow Republicans as he seeks a second term in 2010.

The piece says Republicans inside and outside of Nevada are seeking viable alternatives to run for the position. 

Clark County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury and Reno Mayor Bob Cashell are two hot names, according to the paper.

Gibbons is currently dealing with a ethics complaint related to a tax break he received on a piece of land he owns in Elko County. Democrats say the governor inappropriately used his position to pressure a local official to grant him the break.

Gibbons has denied all wrongdoing and will face a two-person panel on Sept. 11 to determine if the complaint goes any further.