Speaking of endorsements

Where does Governor Jim Gibbons stand in the Republican presidential contest? For that matter, neither have two respected Nevadans who served as both Governor and U.S. Senator: Democrat Richard Bryan and Republican Paul Laxalt.

If former Governor Bob List doesn't help Rudy Giuliani much, would Gibbons? Could a Gibbons endorsement help anyone? If it were me, I'd get on someone's ship and use it for all I could, but one has to wonder whether maybe no one wants his help right now.

Endorsement can serve a variety of purposes. They can give the impression of inevitability, open to the door to blocks of voters, lists, and donors. Endorsement can provide political cover or make a statement.

Given the precarious political rock and hard place that Gibbons has gotten himself into many times recently, it is not hard to imagine that Republican candidates have been trying hard to avoid courting him while not looking like they are avoiding courting him. If this is the case, Gibbons decision not to endorse may be more defense than offense.

But what about Bryan? He is popular and generally well respected. Maybe he has too much to lose by picking the wrong horse. He is currently a partner at the powerhouse law firm Lionel Sawyer & Collins, a firm with many business clients who don't want to upset any possible future President.