First couple splits - reaction mixed

Nevada's first couple has decided to split up, and the reaction to the probable divorce between Gov. Jim Gibbons and his wife Dawn drew equally split reaction around town.

Some were ambivalent, some angry - some said simply leaving the Gibbons family alone was the right thing to do.

All expressed empathy for Nevada's first family, but none seemed surprised of the news that Jim Gibbons filed for divorce from his wife on Friday, considering the governor's recent move from the Governor's Mansion to the couple's Reno home.

Jim Gibbons is also seeking clarification as to who can legally live in the mansion, where Dawn Gibbons, 54, currently resides.

Jim and Dawn Gibbons have been married for nearly 22 years.

"No, there's no big secret there," said Gardnerville resident Diana Morelli, who was shopping for flowers Saturday with her mother. "I don't know much about it. Nobody does, really.

"I mean, you hear what you see on TV or in the news. But this has probably been going on for awhile. So, we don't have much to say."

Morelli's mother Doris Pepke said he probably "should've gotten his personal life together" before becoming governor.

"A divorce is something you don't want to bring when you're in (office)," she said. "It's their business. But if it happens when you're elected, everyone knows. It's everyone's."

Gibbons, 63, a U.S. Air Force and Air Guard veteran, served in the first Gulf War and spent five terms representing Nevada's 2nd Congressional District before becoming governor.

Gibbons was born and raised in Sparks.

He and his wife have one son together.

This isn't the first time that Jim and Dawn Gibbons have lived separately. Dawn stayed behind in Nevada while Jim Gibbons served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Some said the governor's marital problems should simply be kept private.

Allegations in 2006 that the then-congressman during his run for governor allegedly grabbed and shoved Chrissy Mazzeo, a 32-year-old Las Vegas cocktail waitress in a parking garage after the two had been spotted together at McCormick & Schmick's restaurant dogged the governor before he had a chance to outline his plans for leading the Silver State.

Charges were never pursued in the case.

Others in Carson Saturday said they felt politics is politics and personal business is personal business.

"I was talking to my pastor about the (Gibbons') situation this morning," said Carson resident Bob Thrower, who said he works for the Nevada Department of Transportation. "I don't think anyone should hold a potential divorce against him.

"Marriage is marriage. It's unfortunate that the (divorce) looks like it's happening. But things happen. Life moves on. You just have to wish they can work things out the best way they know how. You just have to wish them the best and for happiness. Every day's a new day."