Nance said that he is uncertain about what he needs to do, but that he wants his District 5 seat representing Las Vegas.

"I've decided to rescind my resignation on the grounds that my wife wants me to be an elected official in the state of Nevada," Nance said in a voice-mail message to the Review-Journal late Thursday night.

The former board member also claimed he was elected in 2006 with "over 70 percent of the vote," but records show he got 59 percent against his opponent, Nevada Stupak.

Nance was criticized for making a reality show spectacle out of the last State Board of Education meeting, where he was seen kissing and dangling jewelry in the face of his giggling wife during policy discussions.

On Aug. 11, the Monday after the weekend board meeting, Nance, 49, announced his resignation, citing personal health issues and the need to take care of his wife, Sharona Dagani, 20, who has cerebral palsy.

Gov. Jim Gibbons has since officially declared Nance's former seat to be vacant.

"When that happens, I think it's pretty much a fait accompli," said Anthony Ruggiero, vice president of the Board of Education.

According to state law, the governor would have to reappoint Nance in order for him to return to the board.

Ben Kieckhefer, press secretary to Gibbons, said the governor's office has begun accepting applications to finish Nance's four-year term, which ends in 2010.

The process is "pretty much a work in progress," he said.

Kieckhefer said the governor is not in a hurry because he wants to be careful about selecting a good board member.

Ruggiero said he thought Nance had made a "sound decision" in resigning from the board.

"At the end of the day, I think it benefited everybody, including him," he said.

Ruggiero said he was concerned for Nance's health. Nance has said that he has suffered three heart attacks since October.

Contact reporter James Haug at jhaug@reviewjournal.com or 702-799-2922.