Sandoval Ponders the Future

After more than three years serving as the chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission, Brian Sandoval's political future remains unclear.

That picture could clear up within the next week when Sandoval returns from a family vacation. It is at that time the Reno-based attorney said he would announce his future plans, which could include a run at the office of Nevada Attorney General.

The attorney general position is open with the announcement earlier this month that incumbent Frankie Sue Del Papa wouldn't be seeking a fourth term.

"I would like to be with the commission as they move the process forward, but the process is in good hands. There is a reason why Nevada has long been seen as a leader in regulating the gaming industry. It was that way well before I got here and it will be that way long after I am gone."

- Brian Sandoval

With the incumbent Democrat vacating the office, Nevada's Republican leaders are searching for a rising star and Sandoval may fit the bill.

Only 35, Sandoval has a long political life ahead of him. He's already proven to be a valuable asset to the Republican Party in Nevada during his time as chairman of the Gaming Commission.

Before leaving on his vacation, Sandoval said he has given his future a great deal of thought, but he isn't committing to anything just yet.

"I just need some time to discuss it with my family," he said. "I won't lie and say that the idea hasn't entered into my head, but it would be a big decision and it needs to be given a lot of thought."

While the Republican hierarchy awaits Sandoval's decision, it's clear that he holds the cards. No other Republicans have thrown their hat into the ring yet, and it is believed that if Sandoval decides to run he would get the support of the entire party.

Regardless of what the future holds for the rising political star, Sandoval feels that he learned a great deal during his time with the commission.

"It has been an invaluable experience," he said. "The other members of the commission, as well as the Gaming Control Board, have been excellent to work with."

Sandoval did say that his resignation is somewhat bittersweet. He steps down at a time when the commission faces the task of setting up regulations and standards for the online gaming sector--a position it was put in after the Nevada Legislature passed an enabling bill to allow Internet gaming.

"I would like to be with the commission as they move the process forward," Sandoval said, "but the process is in good hands. There is a reason why Nevada has long been seen as a leader in regulating the gaming industry. It was that way well before I got here and it will be that way long after I am gone."

Sandoval's last task as chairman was coordinating a public meeting addressing vital security issues as the commission determines what shape its regulations will be for the online sector.

It was after that meeting that Sandoval was presented with an array of gifts from the commission in appreciation for his work. He also felt the meeting was good for the commission members to see how much of a task regulating the Internet will be.

"This was just the tip of the iceberg," he said. "I feel confident we can do this, but the meeting showed us all the technology that is out there and we really just scratched the surface."

Although the commission has only begun the process, Sandoval admitted it will be a thorough one.

"This is historical ground we are walking on," he said. "Not since the state decided to allow gambling in the first place has the commission undertaken such a task. It is kind of unprecedented the amount of faith the legislature showed in us, but if any board or commission can get it done, and get it done right, it is this one."

As for his successor, Sandoval said he hasn't heard any names mentioned nor has he been contacted by Gov. Kenny Guinn's office.

The commission is set to hold its monthly meeting in late August. Sandoval said the governor doesn't need to appoint a commissioner at this point, but it would probably be a good target date.

"If there isn't one chosen before the meeting, I think it would be safe to say that there will be a commissioner in place for the September meeting," Sandoval said. "This is not something that will drag on over a long period of time."

When Sandoval joined the commission more than three years ago, he never imagined that, during his short tenure, they would be looking at how to regulate gambling on the Internet.

"A lot has happened in my time here," he said. "The progress has been remarkable. I always heard this was the best regulatory board in the entire world and I kind of took that with a grain of salt. Now that I have worked this closely to the process I realize those comments I always heard were right on target."