Gibbons v. Gibbons: Let's get ready to rumble!

America is a nation at war abroad and suffering from a dismal economy at home, but at least there is some good news on the horizon: A couple of early signs give reason to hope that the Gibbons divorce case will be a mean, bitter struggle that will humiliate (or worse) both parties.

First, Jim Gibbons, ever the officer and the gentleman, is demanding that Dawn pay his attorney fees (pdf). Even if that is standard operating procedure on the part of the person filing the papers in contested divorces (perhaps a divorce lawyer could elucidate in the comments), there is nothing standard about a gubernatorial divorce, and from a public relations standpoint it makes the nation's worst governor look like a petty unfeeling pig. Which of course he is and that remark is probably an insult to pigs. But still, you'd think that someone who cares, if not about him, then about his governorship (Sheldon Adelson? Chuck Muth? Sherm Frederick?) would have advised that a PR battle is brewing and the nation's most unbalanced governor stupidly just put his jaw out.

And Dawn is clearly willing to throw haymakers at it. From AP's Brendan Riley, who got good quote from Cal Dunlap, Dawn's attorney:

"It's sad that after all Dawn Gibbons has done for Jim Gibbons that not only is he divorcing her but he's seeking to have her pay his attorney fees to boot," Dunlap said, adding that he will "vehemently oppose" the attorney fee request, and also will seek spousal support for Dawn Gibbons.

Coupled with the calculated and pre-emptive interview Dawn granted to a useful writer the other day, resulting in a spectacularly sympathetic and unquestioning column that portrays Dawn as the poor put-upon woman in tears and Jim as the insensitive jerk, clearly Dawn is more than eager to destroy her estranged husband in the court of public opinion. And at this point in the proceedings, her squatting in the governor's mansion notwithstanding, she's exhibiting a PR savvy superior to that of the nation's most incompetent governor — a low bar, to be sure, but still...

It's early days of course and it remains to be seen whether Nevada's fondest and best hope will come true — as the marriage goes down in spectacular flames, Dawn spills some serious beans about one or more of Jim's various venal acts and takes him down with it.

But the divorce seems to be getting off to a truly excellent start, no?

Comments

[texexnv@gmail.com]

Seems there's the makings here for a new soap opera "As the Worm Squirms" (or "worms" as may be more applicable). Or maybe the "Beverly Shrillbillies" would also play well.

[Rich Stafetas]

More like, "The Old and the Tasteless"
screw em both

[Nevada Ned]

Three decades ago, Mass. Sen. Edward Brooke went through a very messy and very public divorce, ending his political career. (Barbara Walters has claimed recently that she had an affair with Brooke in the early 1970's. Brooke himself, now 88 years old, won't talk.)
All the Gleaner readers are desperately hoping for a juicy Gibbons divorce 3-ring circus, rivaling the Michael Jackson trial.

If Edward Brooke, a liberal Republican, can have a messy divorce, what surprises await dedicated scandal fans when a conservative Republican's nuclear family detonates??

Personally, I hope the divorce gets made into a movie. "Weekend at Porky's, part 37", starring Adam Sandler (as Jim) and Brittany Spears (as Dawn).

[medeak]

am certain Dawn will be selling real estate with prestigious firm within a few years...ummm...oh that's right..just like our ex-first lady List?

[Just Wondering]

Off topic post I apologize Hugh.

A message to Hugh Jackson from Johnathan Abbinett c/o PolitickerNV

As for Hugh Jackson and his blog "The Las Vegas Gleaner" - well, serious supporters of the 1st Amendment are very disappointed in Hugh's little endeavor to make a buck and pay his bills - frankly, I was very, very disappointed that Hugh would give in to a couple of complainers like you - instead of supporting the 1st Amendment rights of everyone (including whiners)!

Oh, well, life will go on regardless...no hard feeling Hugh, and good luck buddy!

____________

HAHAHAHA Hilarious

Good to see Abbinnett has found happiness. Maybe Zahara should head over to Politicker as well. No one there to disagree with; he'd be able to rant and bloviate to his heart's content.

[rumouralert]

Heard a rumour, for what it is worth, that the divorce is to preserve her wealth [she is purported to be a millionaire]from anything that comes down from the feds. Kind of like Lance Malone's divorce from his wife before he went to prison.

I second that. All in favor of Zahara's move-

Abbinnett still does get it, somebody owns the blog, so freedom of speech does count, plus he still hasn't learned how to be succinct. I wish him well though.

[texexnv@gmail.com]

Awww, heck!~! The universe's worst gubber wants - and gets - all this divorce stuff all hush-hush.

Wifey - or X2B - wants the dirty laundry out in the public. I'm guessing she will get it her way sooner or later. Perhaps even by the '10 elections.