Nevada Gov. Sandoval comments on corruption claim against AG Laxalt
GENOA, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — Gov. Brian Sandoval said he's waiting to "listen to the dialogue" regarding a corruption claim levied against Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt.
Sandoval commented during an appearance Friday in Genoa, where he signed legislation providing free state park admission to fifth graders.
Democratic lawmakers have called for hearings regarding Gaming Control Board Chairman A.G. Burnett's sworn affidavit that Laxalt's meeting with a donor and subsequent legal advice might have amounted to corruption. Federal authorities dismissed questions of corruption, however.
Laxalt has denied any wrongdoing, calling the claim "a political attack designed to distract from the Democrats’ radical agenda that harms Nevada's working families."
Sandoval offered a different take in his interview.
"I don't know if I'd call it a political attack," the governor said. "I mean, again, it speaks for itself. [Laxalt] hasn't denied that it happened. He's issued a press release [saying] that the meeting took place. And I think everyone just needs to listen to the dialogue and decide for themselves what it means."
Sandoval first appointed Burnett to the Gaming Control Board in 2012, then re-appointed him in 2015. The governor said they've known one another for a long time.
"He worked with me when I was the Attorney General of this state," Sandoval said. "I have a great amount of respect for him."
Michael Roberson, Nevada's Senate Republican leader, accused Burnett of colluding with Democratic lawmakers to tarnish Laxalt's reputation, calling for an investigation into the "rogue regulator."
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.
