Special Session: Gibbons accuses lawmakers of badgering his staff

Gov. Jim Gibbons pulled several senior staff members out of the Legislature Tuesday, charging that lawmakers were badgering them.

Late in the day, Gibbons spokesman Dan Burns arrived to tell state budget director Andrew Clinger and Health and Human Services Director Mike Willden to leave.

The move was apparently in response to comments over the past two days by several lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, who repeatedly challenged Clinger, Willden and Director of Corrections Howard Skolnik.

Monday, lawmakers said Skolnik had failed several times to bring lawmakers the information they need on the proposed closure of Nevada State Prison.

Horsford on Tuesday termed Clinger's argument that K-12 education was being cut 2.4 percent "disingenuous."

Horsford defended the conduct of lawmakers, saying, "I think we were very polite and respectful."

"We've got very tough decisions to make," he said, adding that they have to fully understand the governor's recommendations and that means asking tough questions.

The session resumes at

9 a.m. today.