Time will tell what role Gov. Kenny Guinn plays in the 2006 election. So far, he is off to a slow start, other than signaling his displeasure with the GOP frontrunner, U.S. Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev. Guinn has said he will spend his final year touring the state. The tour could be the perfect opportunity to stump for his favorite GOP candidates. Guinn also could be a powerful voice for or against the myriad initiative petitions circulating such as Tax and Spend Control for Nevada, which would put a cap on government spending into the constitution. Guinn was at the top of the ticket in 2002 when the GOP swept all six constitutional offices. But this year he has signaled he won’t be taking the lead in ensuring a repeat. In an interview last week, Guinn demurred when asked which candidates and petitions he would be supporting. Here’s as close as he would get:

Guinn is clearly concerned about the TASC initiative, but won’t slam it yet. When asked if there is a way it could be written that would win his support he said: “I can’t think of a way.”

As for the candidates: “I’ve talked to a number of people and I’m willing to help. But I’m not going to pick individual people.”

I keep saying it’s early. The primary election is eight months away and the public doesn’t engage until maybe a month before they hit the polls. But pretty soon, it will be too late to say it’s still early.