IFC asked to fast-track funding for Gov. Gibbons portrait

Gov. Jim Gibbons' primary loss to Brian Sandoval had a surprise consequence last week - the need to pay for his official portrait.

An emergency request seeking $20,000 from the legislative contingency fund was put on the upcoming Interim Finance Committee agenda after state officials realized they only have six months to select an artist and get the job done.

The portrait is normally funded through a regular legislative appropriation during the governor's second term in office.

According to Deputy Chief of Staff Lynn Hettrick, it wasn't included in the budget during the last session because that would have assumed the governor was going to lose the election.

Chief of Staff Robin Reedy said the issue didn't come up until another member of the staff - Stacy Woodbury - thought of it last week.

By June of Kenny Guinn's final year in office, the Nevada Arts Council committee had already named three finalists from 39 artists who sought the commission. That painting cost $20,000.

Hettrick said there may be some grousing from lawmakers over the expenditure because of the state's financial situation, but that it isn't optional. The portrait is required by Nevada law, and one has been done of every governor in state history.