Nevada Gaming Commission: Moran Resigns After Nine Months

Nine months into a four-year term as a member of the Nevada Gaming Commission, Las Vegas attorney John Moran Jr. resigned effective April 22, saying he was considering a run for lieutenant governor.

A Democrat, Moran's appointment last year by Republican Gov. Kenny Guinn to the $40,000 a year part-time position was delayed two months until the attorney was able to divest his interest in a slot machine venture.Advertisement

The gaming commission takes final action on matters that have been considered by the Gaming Control Board.

During his brief stay on the commission, Moran, 58, cast favorable votes on two high-profile issues: approval of MGM Mirage's $7.9 billion buyout of the Mandalay Resort Group and the licensing of the $2.7 billion Wynn Las Vegas.

"John has been a valuable addition to the commission, and I'm sorry to see him go," fellow Las Vegas attorney and Gaming Commission Chairman Peter Bernhard said Tuesday.

Through a spokesman, Guinn said he was appreciative of the time Moran put into the gaming commission.

"The governor wished John well," Guinn spokesman Greg Bortolin said. "If John has political aspirations, then he has to do what's best for him."

Before joining the gaming commission, Moran served both as a member and chairman of two other statewide panels -- the Colorado River Commission and the State Board of Wildlife Commissioners.

Moran sent a letter to Guinn last week announcing his intention to resign.

"I wanted to make sure ethically that I was off the commission before I made any final determination about getting out on the campaign trail," Moran said. "It's only been fairly recently that I've given this (running for lieutenant governor) some consideration. I'll make the final determination once I leave the commission."

Moran will step down from the gaming panel before the commission's consideration of Harrah's $9.4 billion buyout of Caesars Entertainment, which is expected to close by the end of June.

"The commission's next meeting is May 19, and I believe my timing gives the governor enough time to appoint a replacement," Moran said. "I enjoyed the work on the commission. We took up some very important issues."

Moran participated in the licensing of Steve Wynn's new resort despite the history of a high-profile feud in the early 1990s between his late father, former Clark County Sheriff John Moran, and the casino developer over the licensing of the late casino host Charlie Meyerson.

During last month's hearing, Moran spoke glowingly of Wynn Las Vegas and of Wynn's personal history in building the gaming industry.

"Steve had issues with Metro (Police) and certain officers, not so much with my father," Moran said. "That didn't touch my personal relationship with Steve. I've known him for quite some time."

Moran's law practice specializes in development and land use issues and represents clients before administrative boards and commissions.

Moran worked a year as a sheriff's deputy before becoming an attorney. He has represented the Stratosphere in its moves to add thrill rides and former University of Nevada, Las Vegas basketball coach Bill Bayno in his termination dispute. He also defended golf course developer Billy Walters against money-laundering charges.

If he enters the lieutenant governor's race, Moran would be the highest-profile Democrat in the field.

"John has talked with people in the party," Democratic Party spokesman Jon Summers said. "He would be a formidable candidate."

Las Vegas contractor Steve Hill, a Republican, has been amassing support for the race since the 2003 legislative session ended.

Hill, who lobbies the Legislature on home-building issues, said he has raised more than $600,000.

Republican State Treasurer Brian Krolicki has also made overtures about entering the race.