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LV Chamber: Reform education and fund it
My previous post a few minutes ago was from the Reno chamber about its love for education despite the margin tax murder. As if on cue, the Las Vegas Metro Chamber just sent out one, too. It's 2003 all over again: (I HAVE UPDATED WITH ANNOTATIONS.) Dear Las Vegas Metro Chamber Member:
Reno Chamber: We killed the margin tax; now it's time to fund education
Here's what just went out -- I have helpfully annotated -- in a message echoing what other business and gaming folks have said, and what the governor has planned, which is reforms for money, or is it money for reforms? From: Chamber Government Relations [mailto:jheuer@thechambernv.org] Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2014 10:20 AMTo:Subject: The Election is Over; Now the REAL Work Begins
MY COLUMN: Reid is dead if Sandoval (or anyone) runs, right?
"I think Gov. Sandoval has a real good opportunity now after a great run as governor, perhaps to run for senator. So, you know, frankly I'll say this: I think Harry Reid may decide to retire. That's my prediction." – National Republican Senatorial Chairman Roger Wicker, 11/13/14
Ex-Gaming Control Board chief Lipparelli is favored candidate to replace Hutchison
UPDATED, 11/15/14: Finally got an official statement from Gov. Brian Sandoval through his spokeswoman, Mari St. Martin. It's sort of a non-endorsement endorsement, but pretty obvious where he is:
Hardy-Horsford rematch begins....already
So first Roll Call's Abby Livingston posts a story about Democratic comebacks that mentions defeated Rep. Steven Horsford. Only hours later, the man who vanquished Horsford, Assemblyman Cresent Hardy, began his re-election campaign even before he takes office. And that picture of Nancy Pelosi!
Retailers, gamers to LVGEA boss: You don't speak for us
It turns out the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance isn't so global.
Fiore makes move to take majority leader slot
You could have seen this coming: Michele Fiore, the Bundy-loving, Culinary-hating loose cannon, is making a play to oust Paul Anderson as majority leader of the new GOP majority, sources confirm.
Hansen to meet with Adelson over old remarks about Israel
UPDATE, 5:30 PM: Sounds as if the meeting went well. Adelson and Hansen met for 90 minutes. "They had a very good discussion about Israel, and Ira Hansen passed with flying colors," Adelson lieutenant Andy Abboud told me, adding that Hansen's views on Israel have evolved with the help of another Jewish casino owner, Atlantis boss John Farahi. "I think it is a mistake to think that Ira Hansen is someone that people can't deal with." --------------------
Background check initiative will easily qualify
They will have a press event Wednesday, but I have learned advocates of a background check initiative for 2016 have more than enough signatures. How many? They need 101,000 and change; they have 250,000. It will be on the ballot in two years. And so, I'd guess, will recreational pot. The beginning of a blue wave? Or wishful thinking?