aside 3 Feb

Sandoval staying out of GOP endorsement game (AP)

FILE - In this Jan. 18, 2012, file photo, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval speaks in his office in Carson City, Nev. Don't mistake Sandoval's invitations to the Republican presidential contenders as anything more than a hospitable gesture. The governor is staying out of the nomination fight despite his rising stature in the GOP, or perhaps because of it. Sandoval has invited the candidates to his office this week as they campaign ahead of Saturday’s caucuses. If they make the trip to Carson City, they can count on a smile and a firm handshake but no public stamp of approval. (AP Photo/Cathleen Allison, File)AP – Don’t mistake Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval’s invitations to the Republican presidential contenders as anything more than a hospitable gesture. The governor is staying out of the nomination fight despite his rising stature in the GOP — or perhaps because of it.