Musing of the week: When was the last close governor's race in Nevada?

As most of Nevada's political elite expect a Brian Sandoval blowout next year, I began to think back to when a race for governor actually was really competitive.

It's been awhile.

2010--Sandoval, 53 percent; Rory Reid, 42 percent 

2006--Jim Gibbons, 48 percent; Dina Titus, 44 percent (Seems relatively close, but never really in doubt, even after three (!) scandals rocked Gibbons' campaign in final weeks.)

2002- Kenny Guinn, 68 percent; Joe Neal, 22 percent

1998 -- Guinn, 52 percent; Jan Jones, 42 percent

1994 -- Bob Miller, 54 percent; Jim Gibbons, 42 percent

1990 -- Bob Miller, 65 percent; Jim Gallaway, 30 percent

1986 -- Richard Bryan, 72 percent; Patty Cafferata, 25 percent

1982 -- Richard Bryan, 53 percent; Bob List, 42 percent

1978 -- Bob List, 53 percent; Bob Rose, 37 percent

1974 -- Mike O'Callaghan, 67 percent; Shirley Crumpler, 17 percent

1970 -- Mike O'Calaghan, 48 percent; Ed Fike, 44 percent

Even if you consider the Gibbons-Titus race close -- and it really didn't seem that way -- it is an aberration, as you can see. So why aren't Nevada gubernatorial races close?

This still explains it.

 

 

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