From Team Sandoval, about that amazing — and not in a good way — press release yesterday:

Sandoval Statement on Gibbons Release

LAS VEGAS, NV – Gubernatorial candidate Brian Sandoval today released the following statement in response to Jim Gibbons’ latest attack:

“Jim Gibbons’ statement today is so repugnant it is beneath the dignity of the office of Governor. It is sad for Nevadans to see him resort to such a ridiculous act of desperation. But unfortunately this is exactly what we’ve come to expect from Jim Gibbons and exactly why Nevadans overwhelmingly have rejected his misguided administration.”

And the response from Team Gibbons:

Governor Gibbons responds to Brian Sandoval’s statement regarding Sandoval’s refusal to stand up for the rights of citizens

CARSON CITY – Brian Sandoval had no choice but to resort to a personal attack against Governor Jim Gibbons – the only true leader in this race who has a proven track record of successful leadership for the citizens of Nevada. Sandoval failed to recognize or admit in his statement that his past position was wrong or incorrect in any way. Sandoval failed to demonstrate that his earlier statement, in fact, does not represent his ongoing lack of commitment to protect the U.S. Constitutional rights of Nevada citizens.

It is unfortunate that in trying to illustrate Sandoval’s lack of commitment to Nevadans the Gibbons’ campaign may have appeared to indicate a lack of respect for the Holocaust, the Jewish faith, or the Jewish people. This is absolutely not the case. Governor Gibbons has great admiration for the Jewish faith and is appalled that political commentators would portray otherwise.

Nevadans have only one choice when it comes to deciding on whom to vote for if they want a real leader who has proven time and again that he has the strength of character to stand up and do what’s right – and that’s Governor Jim Gibbons.

My three cents:

Sandoval’s response was appropriate, although it would have been better had he also remarked on the past statement-in-question.

Something like, “It was the stupidest thing I have ever said — and as you all know, I’ve said some pretty stupid things in my day.  I was trying to make a point and stick to my story, which I am admittedly not always very good at doing, and in the process I crossed the line of reason and entered the land of the incredibly dumb.  I deeply regret it.  I would never support forcing Jews to sport Stars of David on their sleeves, nor any law that violates the dignity and freedom of individuals.”

But even without that admission, Gibbons’ response to Sandoval’s response is laughable.  Sandoval is guilty of personal attacks?  Gibbons tagged Sandoval with one of the nastiest accusations it is possible to make against a person:  that he would march to the drum of the Nazis and promote ethnic bias and anti-Semitism.

Yes, Sandoval may have been the most dense-headed attorney-politician ever for falling into a clever reporter’s trap and saying he would enforce any law no matter how heinous.  It definitely warrants a few (more) questions about the mysterious inner workings of Sandoval’s mind, not to mention his political acumen.  Voters would be wise to consider both before making their final decision on June 8.

But Sandoval’s moment of cerebral and rhetorical foolishness does not justify the maliciousness of Gibbons’ attack.

As for the statement about how “unfortunate” it is that Gibbons “may have appeared” to show disrespect for the Holocaust, the Jewish faith, or the Jewish people, and how “appalled” he is by the political commentators who indicated otherwise, give me a break.

The lack of respect that was shown went far beyond the history books and the noble tribe of Israel.  That press release dishonored the office of the governor and the entire state, and it is Governor Gibbons’ decision to put out — and now defend it — that is appalling.