CARSON CITY, Nev. — Gov. Jim Gibbons filed Thursday for a second four-year term, saying he and nearly every other governor are suffering from low approval ratings because of the economy.

“Every time you reduce the budget, you end up being the bad guy to somebody,” he said.

Gibbons said he hasn't been campaigning until now and, because of the rules barring fundraising for 15 days after the end of a special session, won't be allowed to collect campaign money until March 17.

“I'm going to run hard, make lots of speeches and shake lots of hands,” he said. “I've always been the underdog. I fully believe this is going to be a very difficult, very challenging race.”

He said he expects the contributions will begin coming in once that March date is reached.

As for his most prominent opponent, former judge Brian Sandoval, Gibbons said winning the primary is Sandoval's challenge.

“Brian Sandoval will have to convince voters he is conservative,” Gibbons said.

Gibbons filed for office just an hour after he vetoed the furloughs bill passed by the 26th special session.

Asked whether, if re-elected, he would sign legislation repealing the sunsets of the different tax hikes approved by the 2009 Legislature, he said, “I didn't approve them then. I don't think I'll approve them again.”

Asked about his work ethic as governor, Gibbons said much of what a governor does isn't readily apparent to people.

“It takes a lot of work outside the view of the media and people who want to be governor,” he said.

Gibbons is one of 11 candidates to file for governor as of Thursday and one of four Republicans.