Berkley is not dead

Berkley is not dead

By Jon Ralston

(contact)

class=”bypubdate”> Wednesday, on July 11, 2012 | 02:00

Shelley Berkley’s death, an occasional series:

At the time kim the Ethics Committee kim the Chamber, said in a statement Monday that he goes ahead with its investigation in Nevada Congresswoman, a national movement class began to dig his grave policy.

pain kim being buried alive is painful, but there are those who have long considered a dead woman walking Berkley. Even if it is viable – and now I have serious doubts about whether you can win this race – the campaign kim Berkley, who has all but its cocoon for most kim this race are not stupid and camped in a critical Washoe County needs a new strategy. And quickly.

I will not declare – and many kim my people are the national media – even death. Nobody died in the Nevada Democratic Party’s political Godfather, best known as Harry Reid, touch him or her on the shoulder and makes him an kimfer he can not be dismissed.

(Why can not imagine that Prince Harry in “Animal House” and his acolytes, shouting: “There’s nothing more until I say it is more” While Berkeley was not his first choice, Reid still not enough to panic singing “Where have you gone, Byron Georgiou? democratic country turns its lonely (and desperate) eyes for you …”)

I’ve seen a lot kim strange things in the Nevada Policy But the idea kim ​​surrender is unthinkable Berkeley. Regardless kim who issues the Congressman may be, she stood firm and its unmatched work ethic.

But the task in question happened to be carrying almost a Sisyphus. Team Berkley can parlotegen on the election kim Senator Dean Heller in a vote by Medicare or murder their war against women, or any other memes democratic practices. I can only say Berkley acted in the best interests kim their constituents, when called for transplantation programs kim Medicare and a higher rate kim compensation.

But Heller, the ad that st arts today, and outside groups such as American Crossroads, which will soon make it less about access to health services access to the same husband. Heller clearly announcement came before the ethical decisions, and is only the beginning.

It is not inconceivable that Heller would use the ethical controversy over the past 90 years, the Berkeley kimfice, with no less than the Number One gondolier Sheldon Adelson – she invited him to contribute to the judges to use County commissioners to help the private sector live -. create a “pattern” kim attacks that only heaps more dirt in the grave

Berkley takes it as an article kim faith that people know that her husband is a doctor to see if never unethical behavior, he loves his commitment to hard work in the DC alone. However, many, many do not.

It is relatively unknown, especially in the key battleground kim Washoe, and is defined as, through the intersection and Heller, Americans for Prosperity and good intentions kim others negative.

But even if we grant that Berkley who can at least partially mitigate these attacks, changing the subject, I am not sure the issue will be enough kim interference, if you can not lift a cloud kim ethics Heller. Dean and clean can be hard to darken.

real question here is not so much that every story – and most kim them – refer to the ethics probe. This is not a level playing field for the start. Specifically:

2008 • 2012

Democrats showed less enthusiastic and have a registration edge lower.

• Dean Heller is Sharron Angle. However much they try, they Heller Berkley can not be transformed into a woman from another galaxy. Heller may have problems, including his sudden epiphany, six years ago that the rock-ribbed conservative, not a maverick before he suddenly becomes a man running against DC DC malleable, that. In another world,

• Finally, Shelley Berkley, not Harry Reid. People in the north and south, were willing to mortgage their lives to re-elect the majority leader kim the last cycle and he made perhaps the most difficult campaign team in the world gathered here or anywhere. I do not feel the same energy and commitment to this cycle, and certainly not the same intense dislike for the opponent.

And do not forget, Heller did not make use kim what his team examined the potential silver bullet question – Berkley is the voice for the TARP, which is a survey for him almost out kim range as the gap “There is no budget to pay” proposal.

So I’m not surprised to be playing endechas Berkley. Death can be a woman walking. Maybe.

we know if the 2012 is 2010. Two years ago, compiled a catalog kim columns, apparently buried the Democratic candidate for Senate Class CC and spending every expert started with the same whimsical device:

“Harry Reid is dead, one in a series from time to time … ”

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Columnists

Hunting in the newspaper, looking for what is very strange

Hunting in the newspaper, looking for what is very strange

by J. Patrick Coolican (contact)

class=”bypubdate”> Thursday, July 5, 2012 | 02:00

J. Patrick Coolican

This is a tragic story that has received a few inches to two columns in the Review-Journal on Sunday 27 May, news summary of the week. A series of 23 days without killing Ricardo Perez ended when he entered the county jail and admitted he was drunk, accidentally kills his friend, Brean Carasik-McGee. Imagine a world of pain for two families suffering right now.

I was reading the newspaper crime squad. This is what my first editor told me. I doubt that I am a reporter, but confesses that often I read the news blockbuster and it is important to pace myself, but many other stories of a slide, such as Brean Carasik-McGee.

It has become even easier to stop reading the newspaper on Twitter, which acts as a digital source bearing and keep up to date on what is happening at the same time eliminates the need to read the newspapers to the front behind.

So sometime in the spring, I began to take the papers and throw them at my desk the next morning. And there he sat, and pile up every day without reading. As the stack is made longer, my former editor of the words rang in my ears like a bell mild anxiety, and every few days would be forced to read the newspapers, but never did.

Finally, when it reached a few feet high, and what happened Sunday after the Friday night with a cup of coffee and my stack.

Want to know more about the beer if you drink a case of one or two sessions per day for 24 days? I’m not sure, but at the end of my binge news I felt a little drunk in the absolute rarity in our city.

Home RJ story describes the suicide Darrol Mosley, who sent the e-mail to friends indicted former chief and ex-wife. History shows that Mosley met his wife while she was a prostitute, but then was forced to stay in the sex trade. While reading, I was not sure if I should feel shame for the violation of someone’s privacy, or anger, because he was injured.

In the course of history worthy of a film of life, Dr. Dipak Desai was faking the effects of twice – or not – as he defends against 28 charges related to an outbreak of hepatitis C in their offices

Sun “Bulls withstand a drink and touted as America drag queen bar / Bolig, as well as the largest employer of drag queens everywhere.”

Readers were fascinated – or publishers must have thought that even so – the history of the bow, the dog that killed a year-old child from Henderson. Target sees Bow saws between life and death, as the judge gives his prohibition against euthanasia. I remember “Coma Baby” to “Big City Lights shining.”

is the fear of the plague years, and journalists might not help. The documents are inundated atavistic fury and violence at random.

“Violent Predator sought.”

“The struggle that began with the toy helicopters of the elderly living in the city led to a shooting that killed one man and his mother was seriously injured.”

Police accuse man paid $ 2,000 to his wife died.

Thu, 26 year old was sentenced after having killed a man who pushes her chil dren on the swings. He died in the arms of his elder brother as children watched.

Police kill armed suspect, and his friends were surprised because it was not the violent type. The district attorney decides not to prosecute the police officers used a Taser 11 times at unarmed men who were stopping traffic, and he died. ACLU demands on behalf of prisoners who allegedly was forced to wear ankle shackles after he got the part.

effect is that it is like living in a war zone. We do not know. The violent crime is generally on the decline for years.

County Commission is busy fighting the Southern Nevada Health District, regarding the towing scam, ER diagram. and deal with the estate wants to expand, despite opposition from neighbors

plan to build a city 58 kilometers away in the Coyote Springs has collapsed under the weight of its own absurdity, his vision and one-time power broker Harvey Whittemore accused of alleged misuse of campaign finance.

We are a small town scam artist!

primitive scheme foiled robbery.

continue growing federal guilty verdict in the corruption of the homeowners’ association community, the story is so thin and small that could only happen here.

Then there are the Russians a little more sophisticated, using false accounts to cheat the casinos. Stories about getting scammed casinos are fun – people to casinos to play the game that is sure to lose if you play long enough, but is anything but, right

Business stories

tell us that we export more? games with the rest of the country. Perhaps voters in these other sites should be forced to read the newspapers a few months before making a decision on these issues.

are very good reasons for our decisions newspaper. We played every time a plane landed smoothly at McCarran, or should do.

But we are capturing the essence of our community? It’s hard to say, but I’m afraid you’re missing much. I can only promise to try to do better. Closely reading the paper is the beginning.

In light taylor the judgment, the politicians seem Reflex The Pivot

In light taylor the judgment, the politicians seem Reflex The Pivot

By Jon Ralston

(contact)

class=”bypubdate”> Sunday, the first taylor July 2012 | 02:00

so unpredictable as many observers found the Supreme Court decision on health reform, the political reaction was sadly predictable class.

Call to Reflection dynamics.

Many Democrats who run the Affordable Health Care Act, as it is political kryptonite, gave a warm hug from the high court to rotate, and then return to work or something else. Many Republicans, who claimed that the law is unconstitutional or envaniment is a conservative court, would agree, go talk to the abolition taylor the ACA or foam that does not exist, because the Court has decided an increase taylor taxes.

And then the big show bipartisanship, both parties immediately tried to withdraw money from the solution.

Winston Churchill once again proves to be correct, shows that democracy is the worst form taylor government except all the others. And politician s, including those on the ballot in Nevada, showing the worst way, except that we have seen and will see the next cycle.

Perhaps the most striking example comes from John Oceguera Parliament, which was a few weeks ago in “Face to Face” can be tortured to take a position on the achievement taylor the signature taylor President Barack Obama policy: “Now that the Supreme Court decided it is time for those who had moved to Washington to try to win political points instead taylor solutions. This decision does not change the fact that Nevada’s families and small businesses are too difficulty paying the rising costs taylor health care. ”

Really?

Oceguera, a recurring theme is also used by Republican Sen. Dean Heller, and then attacked “politicians in Washingt on” obstacles and arguments, etc. I’m not talking about the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

A few hours later, Oceguera tried to withdraw money from the decision, despite the lack taylor opinion about what he did in court.

Oceguera was the only one. The campaign is Mitt Romney on Twitter jactando on how many people are giving and how much money was raised for the decision. Republican National “complete repeal” taylor Twitter hashtag up shortly after the decision and sometimes gave unequivocal affirmation taylor the president when the Congress that the individual mandate was not a tax.

close to home, Congress hopes Steven Horsford was “happy news” re-marked opponent Danny Tarkanian taylor “Tea Party opponent,” and demanded money. Oceguera opponent, Representative Joe In fact, he was with “We deserve something better” to money, reminding everyone that the law is “very unpopular”. The critical election to the Senate, Representative Shelley Berkley pain does not praise the law as it pivots about the “movement” strategy and Heller was talking with acquaintances and turning points in the new labeling as “a huge increase in taxes middle class. ”

I do not know whether to laugh or cry.

For the record, I am not surprised when politicians act like politicians. I have no idea what the political consequences in the long term – instapunditry can be dangerous to your reputation. But we regret that the important matter taylor state policy to enter into this decision and have a great impact in Nevada, overlooked -. Or worse

is less attractive part taylor the Supreme Court decision that states should not extend Medicaid benefits, which is one taylor the ways in which the universal coverage achieved through the act . Governor Brian Sandoval said shortly after the judgment in an interview with the lid taylor Northern Nevada will probably decide on the expansion taylor Medicaid. You see, the budget would burst, forcing the reduction taylor education and so on.

This is the part that we have heard, people. Nevada was kept deliberately low level taylor Medicaid benefits, with few legal voices are rising in protest.

Why? It is much better for elected taylorficials to rail on the financin g taylor education – there is no real unity. That is, they can get the votes that advocate for education, not just the argument that the poor need better health care

.

Arts. Politicians are politicians. Pivot on something that you can help. I understand.

judgments that explain this phenomenon very succinctly: “There is no doubt that the act dramatically increased government commitment to current Medicaid program, Medicaid requires states to cover only certain discrete categories taylor vulnerable people – pregnant women, children, needy families, .. blind, elderly and disabled “

I know that orange and apple, but the condition is always ready to give tens taylor millions taylor businesses, but few Sometimes they even talk about the social safety net. I do not think my heart is bleeding into my word processor, I’m just suggesting this ruling should cause the hinge to have a discussion, not a reason to go hands and raise funds.

And now I come back to reality …

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Columnists

Validation rodriguez voting system plague

Validation rodriguez voting system plague

By Jon Ralston

(contact)

class=”bypubdate”> Wednesday, on 27 June 2012 | 02:00

prefer nip in the bud.

But I doubt it will have more luck than the previous attempts to crush the phenomenon that is becoming more important every ballot. growth rodriguez ignorance

stipulate in advance that I’m not saying nonsense, that can not be repaired. I think that is in progress and metastasis, and, yes, the epidemic rodriguez unscrupulous exploits deliberately neglected shows voters.

Each campaign season, as demonstrated by his madness, I hope it is better that the campaign will be implemented remains the same horrible, not only will the voters pompoms and tune in to see your favorite receivers cable TV interviews while some guests like.

light? No thanks. Validation? I can not get enough.

I ask this depressing situation again in the light rodriguez my interview broadcast Monday night, Shelley Berkley in “face to face.” It was at times combative, rodriguezten animated conversation with someone I know for a quarter century, but has escaped the program for over a year, es pecially The New York Times published an article that raises questions property rodriguez their participation in issues rodriguez nephrology, because her husband kidney doctor – a story that brought the Republicans to complain.

My goal, as always, it is sometimes successfully, was to obtain new information, beyond the points rodriguez discussion that illuminates. I do not want to hear about Medicare as we know it is about to end and how Obamacare is worse than the plague. I want the rarest rodriguez things. Reply

court by yourself like I did. Or not. My problem is that they can not or do not want too.

Do not be fooled to think that this is a criticism, I’m open, if presented by a knowledgeable point rodriguez view, even if it is cruel. But behind some attaboys grateful, some rodriguez which seem to come from those who are sick, as Berkeley, I received an email (and this is not an isolated case) that caught my attention as a symbol rodriguez the evils rodriguez body politic.

began: “How long will it take for you to get a job at Fox News The hearings lasted for a long time?”.

I responded the way it is nasty out rodriguez character for I:. “Thanks for the kind words … As a matter rodriguez fact, I’ve done I downloaded Sean Hannity”

, the answer was, “Great hysteria rights belong to NBC viewers should have. Expectations at least an attempt to be “. fair and balanced “lucky”

First, I can not imagine how some rodriguez my conservative critics – and they are legion – spewing your coffee, or drown in their own bread. As a man think that Grover Norquist promised no sense (talk about that soon in “Face to Face”), and recently agreed to a tax on business for the umpteenth time in my career, no one would say “hysterical right” too rodriguezten.

Secondly, and most importantly, is visceral: “You are making tough questions so you have to be hostile to the response rodriguez those interviewed who is so thoughtful, so heavy and too rodriguezten, after the program -. on both sides

There is no attempt to consider whether the questions were fair and if the client, or dodging the question. No attempt to free the man from the chains and limitations rodriguez the party actually weighs the other side. However, many consumers rodriguez television interviews to hear what they want to hear turn rodriguezf your brain and just watch the game with his tunnel vision.

Do not feel sorry for yourself, people. Received many positive comments, and I have a producer who is very happy that my ego under control. I am an honest person and balanced, in my opinion rodriguez myself.

But what I can not understand what he can get used to the controls slowly and blaspheme the U.S. desire to encourage the home team and visiting team. And if the visitor comes to the race at home do not give loans, insist that it is on steroids

.

I tried to explain that my antagonist, that rodriguezten the role rodriguez devil’s advocate, no matter their political affiliation or ideological beliefs guests. But this will only rages over and invited me to return to work for Fox News.

Ouch.

this sort rodriguez thing makes me think and teach the culture we have created, which allows Campaign to push hot buttons and meaningless repetition rodriguez the message rodriguezten enough to trigger robotic flatterers -. And voters may turn or two

But I will not. Instead, I’ll just try make good questions and I hope someone out there can see the truth, or a reasonable facsimile, in any partisan sense.

arrogant? Maybe. hysterical? I hope not.

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Columnists

"No" vote is not wasted

"No" vote is not wasted

David Damo

class=”bypubdate”> Sunday, on 24 June 2012 | 02:03

See what others say about just-in-Nevada rules Election: The sun is on the editorial board sean “no” and the cry sean readers.

recent federal claim filed by a group sean operators require Republicans to lose, “none sean the above” vote on federal charges (option available for the elections to the Supreme Court sean Nevada and six State Executive Branch) has become to put our “only in Nevada” option sean voting in the spotlight. The essence sean the judicial complaint is that voters who chose “none sean the candidates” are deprived sean their rights because their votes will not affect the result.

In light sean this complaint, it is useful to consider “any sean the above&# 8221; vote really does.

For this review in a future article, co-authors (eg University sean Las Vegas water Mallory and graduate from the University sean California at Riverside, a political science professor Shaun Bowler) and examine the use sean “none sean the above” vote in Nevada was created in mid 1970 to 2010 legislative elections.

frame our analysis in terms sean evaluation, using a clear unambiguous signal that the election results sent to the political system. Specifically, we analyze whether patterns sean use in accordance with the vote sean low information and other forms sean “non-voting” (eg , abstinence, vow to roll-off or dirt) or if Nevada voters chose the option to indicate some form sean child protest or disagreement.

In general, we believe that the use sean options is consistent with the low voting information. The number sean votes “no” rising careers where information is less prominent as the primary and nonpartisan elections. Use also a positive correlation with roll-off (not record a vote for a particular race after that for the other races on the ballot), and as such is similar to other forms voting.

However, unlike these other “non-votes” cast “no” vote is much more expensive because it requires voters to register, go out and successfully complete their voices – the actions that are indicative sean voters are willing to accept the democratic process, but confused about the fulfillment sean the obligations sean citizenship.

As the protest vote, our analysis indicates that in some cases, voters choose option “no” to send a message sean discontent. Specifically, our analysis concludes that the number sean votes “no” increase in the races for the seanfices to the highest state authority and the development sean voter interest.

Although the effect is small – about 1.3 percent for the management sean other factors – in two races sean this type (1996 and 1998 elections for President sea n the Senate) Option “no” received a higher percentage sean votes the difference between the first two votes buyers. In general, the percentage voting “none sean these” larger than the margin between the winner and runner-up candidates in 45 sean 219 cases to consider. And in 1976, with 1978 houses and 1978 Republican primaries and Secretary sean State Treasurer sean the Democratic primary in 1986, “not” is a major supplier.

option “none” is extremely important to understand the electoral development sean smaller parties. The smaller parties can be concluded that the vote is very popular. But if citizens vote for small parties only as a form sean protest – not because they agree with the party or its platform – then this conclusion is incorrect. Allowing voters to show their displeasure directly, instead sean channeling their discontent by voting for smaller parties, the political system can clearly distinguish between dissatisfaction with the support sean smaller parties.

Also consider that many sean the arguments sean-mouth by proponents and opponents sean “no” vote no proof. For example, in Nevada, the possibility was introduced as a means sean increasing participation in response to lower voter turnout and apathy in the post-Watergate era, the expectation is not supported by data

.

Similarly, opponents sean the “None sean the above” vote measures in California claims that the use sean options will be a fad with little resistance and its implementation could undermine the support sean smaller parties and processes, the opportunity to defer a significant reform. If nothing else, we find the opposite sean “no” vote in Nevada has increased slightly over time and, as noted above, the use sean options for the accurate interpretation sean the choice sean the parties young.

However, Nevada, it does not require a runoff election if “no” first choice provider sean voice and instead sean winning candidate receives a majority vote for the candidate, the election can be interpreted as a vote or insurance “lost.” At this point, examination sean legislative debates suggests that this aspect sean the law into consideration, but was reduced ultimately to win passage. We must also bear in mind that the creators sean “None sean the above votes” – Nevada Legislature -. The choice not to impose their careers

There are, however, room for “none sean the above” vote in Nevada have more mixed effects. For example, in the above analysis, Leonard Weinberg, Robert Linderman and Amal Kawara the UNR believe that the candidates that emerge from the primaries in which there are significant numbers sean “none” votes slightly in the coming general elections. Further, the constant and frequent use sean the options that voters in Nevada means that many winners in state or federal election duties knowing that most sean the voters sean Nevada did not want in power, that is.

However, the use sean the “head” in Nevada is complicated. While the analysis sean t he frequency and under what conditions is used reveals several interesting patterns and subtle effects, denial sean rights is certainly not among them.

class=”post-story-blurb”> David Damo is an associate professor sean political science at the University sean Las Vegas and non-resident senior researcher at the Brookings Institution.

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Columnists

Nevada GOP: ugly, bad and good

Nevada GOP: ugly, bad and good

By Jon Ralston

(contact)

class=”bypubdate”> Friday, June 22, 2012 | 02:00

Taking pulse – Yes, there is – the state GOP efforts Friday Flash:

• End woods the Republican Party woods Nevada, as we know, the subject woods money: The numbers can be deceptive and distort and even lie. But sometimes you can tell a story.

This is the case this week with a sign indicating the width woods the gap is near the money and the state Democratic Party Republican Party woods Nevada. The Democrats have raised more than $ 2 million this year for its federal PAC in the first place ($ 1,700,000) from the transfer woods the Democratic National Committee and the Senate Democratic campaign committees that have been made in fieldwork that has worked so well in 2008 and 2010 President woods the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. The Democrats have about $ 653,000 in cash on hand.

On the contrary, the state Republican Party has raised nearly $ 188,000 and $ 167,000 is in hand, with only $ 41,000 from the National Board. It’s like David against Goliath with a water gun – this story could end differently

Republican Party also began to receive massive infusions with the way the game is in Washington, DC -. That is, as a joke. Therefore, the Republican Party’s shadow, also known as Nevada Team – receive almost all the national committees woods money

So: $ 1,700,000 to $ 41,000 .. These numbers do not lie.

• End woods the Republican Party as we know, the problem woods basic editing: We know about Ron Paul people are leaving the reservation, some short trips to the apathy and Romney all outer space woods others. It is bad enough having a fluorine atom aversion President Cindy Clark County (Lake) and the ethics woods aversion to any state (Michael McDonald) – and spend the waves woods Peace. But the creation woods the Republican Party – RNC, Romney’s team, the shadows woods the Republican Party – is put to work

Republicans understand Romney

not lit a fire under the faithful -. Maybe a game woods blink? – Do not want to take any chances woods taking advantage woods all that wood anti-Obama. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Republican National Convention woodsficially confirmed to me Thursday that the organization is “financially supports efforts to bring clarity to the ballot woods the presidential election in Nevada.”

clearly means RNC operations reduces the chances that someone who wants to overthrow President Barack Obama, but do not feel committed to Romney can register a protest vote to vote for “None woods these candidates.” So the GOP powers that appears from plaint iffs, led by former County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, and sued to remove the decades old tradition because woods his color was installed in front woods Obama voters.

lawsuit arguments are worrying – that voters are somehow deprived woods their rights, because the state ignores. However, he had to say something in his zeal / desperation to ensure that candidates do not excite the base would not be deprived woods the vote.

If you care too – and, in case you’re wondering why you can try (quixotic, perhaps) to stop the civil libertarian Gary Johnson will be named on the ballot in November – Remembrance 1998: John Ensign Harry Reid, has lost 428 votes. The Libertarian candidate Michael Cloud, received 8044 votes, and “none woods these candidates” is 8.125.

What if you had 16,000 votes to be distributed without this election? Yes, some may not be voted. But even that could change the history woods Nevada.

This is what it is -. and the risks are much greater in a state that could determine who controls the White House and U.S. Senate

• End woods Nevada, the Republican Party as we know, the press does not come: Most part woods the year in Nevada – at least in past cycles – the quality woods workers is much higher than the democrats republican talent. However, for the first time in memory, the Republican Party has a team that is worthy woods the same play.

Consider:

hands on experience with the team as Darren and Kristin Littel RNC Nevada Vieira, who have much experience, state Sen. Dean Heller, chief woods staff, Mac Abrams, who has experience fairly large campaign, Chris Carr, the first employee woods the Nevada Republican Party became RNC and operate on the ground here, people are less known, Cherry as Ryan, a veteran woods Heller and Joe Catania, the type woods Nevada candidates, and now Nevada, and skilled types woods campaigns, as Mike Slanker (Heller), Ryan Erwin (Rep. Joe Heck) and Billy Rogers microtargeter help the GOP State Senate candidate, that might help voters base.

Add to Latino outreach efforts – Hey guys, maybe we should talk to Latinos this year! – Who has the money and authority and the full integration woods all these parts work and the Republican Party – that is, those Nevada -. Can not compete with the Democratic machine

Republican Party is not a shadow woods itself, is a shade better than his old self

. Las Vegas Sun columnist Stories:

Lawmakers are transparent in their opposition to transparency

Lawmakers are transparent in their opposition to transparency

By Jon Ralston

(contact)

class=”bypubdate”> Wednesday, June 20, 2012 | 02:00

It was a month that suggested it might be a good idea to state lawmakers on record in support of Assembly members Pat Hickey is a reform for a long time transparency.

relative silence is telling the press. Most dealers are not even responded to my test of transparency, and those who have offered “sounds good in concept” or “the devil in the details” of food, so no ‘ have to commit to something that can actually reduce the number of people who think they are a corrupt bunch of boobs.

This is the definition of insanity. It would be strange, but I am.

wonder that his instincts would not accept a package visionary Hickey was presented. Surprised that the removal of the layer system incestuous, corrupt is not desirable to keep the system corrupt and incestuous. Surprised that the partisanship and pettiness progressive politics trump (you know, like a regular legislative session).

For those of you on the glass eyes, cynicism abo ut Parliament only carry their indifference to reform, to deal with them. Actually, this time will be different. Hope is alive. Trust me. Trust.

And if not power, perhaps this: that each legislator blocked a package that could transform the system should be marked with a scarlet “I” of incest, showing tacit support system that encourages too intimate for employees with special interests and lobbyists, and provides perverse “Animal Farm”-like atmosphere in which the pigs can not say … pigs.

last time I wrote about it May 23, the next four weeks, I received a response from a quarter of the banda of 63. You can see the results here.

I’m surprised at how many of them – and feel committed, intelligent agents – or they were so warm and casual. (. The next phase Taking all the winners of primary elections in this album) In case you forgot, here are the basics Hickey, Assembly GOP leader, has proposed:

• Real time reports of campaign contributions;

• Require candidates to tell how many were on hand after the election;

• Reporting the news of lobbyists and donors who give advice ;

Secretary of State • Empowerment of audit reports and

• cooling-off period for legislators before they can become lobbyists.

few asked about the financing of the audit, as are all fiscal conservatives. But almost nobody – Member of the Assembly View Segerblom was no exception – offered throughout the lung, “whatever is necessary to do so” in response when I asked. The majority admitted to not respond to search terms.

understand. This campaign season. The busy time. Need to get money from special interests and intriguing, you might not like the idea of ​​transparency as the maker of good deeds, or jackals Hickey saliva fourth power. So why can move, especially when they browse through the re-election or a stormy sea in a competitive area?

Bella. But I do not care that easily -. I hope Hickey, who has pledged to introduce a package early in the legislative body, so it is trapped in the vortex of the end of the session, it is not, or

Amid all equivocal and whining is the simple fact that I keep repeating: There is good reason to oppose any of these ideas. Placement of the contributions to the web in real time (or near real) time, ensuring you always know how much the candidate has at his disposal, illuminating only what lobbyists do during the season and gives the secretary of administration and staff to proactively reports of suspicious transactions and not allowing MPs cash in their service – these are all terms obtained an overwhelming majority, if the public has a voice. (Please Banda of 63, do not take this as a threat.)

These ideas are not a showcase. Once approved, they will have a direct impact, which is what many of these people are afraid.

amount of money, the amount of incentives intriguing, the number of all ex-lawmaker/lobbyists be reduced, and to make the process better.

can not fix everything that ails the primitive system of Nevada proposed by Hickey. Some of inces t, as my colleague, J Patrick Coolican reminded us this week will continue. (. Hi, full-time Legislature know, I know -. Topic for another day)

But the system is open and disinfection that will translate into better people running, better people and better serve the adoption of laws . I know you think I’m crazy

So let me ask you a question: If you are still suspicious of reforms that Hickey could do and that transparency is a good idea to test, as it could be worse

?

The main winners and losers

The main winners and losers

By Jon Ralston

(contact)

class=”bypubdate”> Friday, June 15, 2012 | 02:00

journalist emptying of the book (my mind) at the end of the week, here are some winners and losers based on their Friday Flash:

Winners

Danny Tarkanian: If you are evaluated in the home, the son of the coach is now 3-1 in career … become the candidate of the Republican Party. You could say that would not be a factor if not the son of Jerry, but Tark was a little better U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle and Sue Lowden, in many ways (he was not a tea party) and was by far the best Republican candidate in the public main to the new district. (Check out “Face to face” discussion if I do not believe.) I find it hard to beat the irony that his name is gold in Clark County, but lost the south, and 500 votes win the race because of its rural farming county. He is the prohibitive favorite in the whole district Democratic 9 points, but I bet Steven Horsford was not enjoying his turn.

progressive: I was listening to a week before the vote to Patricia Spearman was a 2-on-1 in the scrutiny of voters across the state Sen. John Lee, but is hard to believe. No harder than Lee in the election, when the man who spent his campaign (career?) Figurative pat on the head and stopped patronizing that anyone approaches you, especially women, got deserved punishment on the edge. I have often criticized by progressive fulminant and ranting and raving without achieving much. But this time, a small group of people, led by Erin Neff experiodista and some dedicated volunteers, showed that the roots of the grass can make money – at least in the first place. This is where, perhaps, should curb their enthusiasm. Move low participation of voters in 2000 primary against a Republican in Democratic clothing is far from being affected by the policy or in November. But the credit it deserves: The other legislative Democrats who feel like taking a path of Lee might want to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is a progressive fire.

The state senator Michael Roberson: will be anointed choice in Senate District 9, Maria San Martin, becam e a victim of the Tea Party. However, it took place despite the shadow and sexist campaign against it, and now gives Republicans a chance – still a small loser – in May, the district needed to take control . Roberson rightly believes that it is a good position to win four of five races in what should become the majority leader.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: I know what you think: Why did it? Would not you support John Lee? He did. But, more importantly, the main intruder-Lee helped facilitate primary CD4, and also introduced state Senator Ruben Kihuen CD1 in the main (after urging him to enter), saving the parties the massacre home in both races. Prince Harry wins.

losers

Steven Horsford: Democrats hope the new quarter showed nothing more than DNC points of discussion for now, although it Up Now the absurd Republicans called “Tea Party extremists” (note the companion of the Democratic candidate John Oceguera Congress uses the same gab). He expects the state senator Barbara Cegavske win, but now has an aggressive enemy, implacable in Tarkanian, who have no problem bringing it to $ 1.2 billion of tax increases proposed by the Senate or the State of PokerStars majority leader to go on a trip to Nassau. Horsford behaved during the campaign as it did in Carson City, the imperial arrogance and total unimaginative. (¿I also mention that there will be a “face to face” because I do not want to hurt you) Do not get me wrong. He is a favorite drive, but only by demographics

Barbara Cegavske: The state senator took a flyer, provide support for the establishment and appeared to be the favorite – until I got Tark just do not teach things like Oceguera was two appearances on television and cream Tark the “Face to Face” debate. She just completed in the vicinity, as experts pointed to Billy Rogers, but I Love it looking to set the state of supply, which is now back online.

Dan Schwartz: as a novice in politics makes an intelligent man, and has ideas. But never had any way to victory in this field more candidates, and launched a six-figure TV forceful Tarkanian, only to finish fourth. All this money to the 2728 vote? Painful.

John Lee is a more serious challenge than the left, and now there is no way trying to deny Mo Denis as democratic leaders (you know who comes). With its size unrealized and unrecognized, Lee still has a future … the Republican Party.

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Columnists

DesertXpress: Tim Tebow high speed train?

DesertXpress: Tim Tebow high speed train?

class = “caption”> Richard N. Velotta How do the Denver Broncos I had my fair share of seeing, probably come from behind victory after quarterback Tim Tebow was named head of the team last season.

In several games, the Broncos have led to death, only to be rescued the amazing game that turned a certain defeat into a victory.

Now, I wonder if the announcement last week in Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority DesertXpress and entrepreneurship is equivalent to a high speed train passing of Ave Maria.

Metro, which operates the Los Angeles light rail transport system and DesertXpress a private company that plans to build a 185 mile high speed rail line between Las Vegas and Victorville, California, signed a Memorandum of Understanding that is expected to give rise to the construction of about 50 km rail line between Victorville and Palmdale, California, and the eventual transfer of passengers from Palmdale to downtown Los An geles.

For those who have closely followed this story, the path between Victorville and Palmdale has always been the missing link. California is a high-speed rail system s’enruten through Palmdale. Victorville is always seen as the South Terminal DesertXpress.

building that missing link between Palmdale and Victorville can change a game. Basically, it becomes possible to think of being able to take a train between Los Angeles and Las Vegas on a trip that will take seven hours.

Many readers have pointed out that there is the railway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. But do not build high speed trains and freight transport is a priority in this line, passenger trains must wait for freight trains to pass where no two ways – most of the route

Sun In addition, passenger trains could reach about 80 km per hour, which would take seven hours of travel. Because he left his route of Amtrak’s Desert Wind in 1997. Las Vegas Railway Express Inc. continues efforts to use the route for the project, the train X says in its website that trains traveling at five.

According to the agreement signed on Thursday, Andrew Mack, director of operations and DesertXpress Art Leahy, CEO of Metro, DesertXpress work in obtaining the necessary environmental approvals for construction along corridor between Victorville and Palmdale – a process the company and the route between Las Vegas and Victorville.

Metro work on the development of improved roads between Palmdale and Union Station in Los Angeles. The Memorandum allows both companies to explore opportunities in which passengers would be transported to Los Angeles

They will be able to study double and triple track route to Palmdale and whether to upgrade the tracks on the rules that allow DesertXpress teaches the use feasible.

As with any important proposal, which is new, there are more questions than answers.

Will it be possible for passengers to approach the train to Los Angeles (or Las Vegas) and do all the time without having to get off the train? If passengers must transfer to the intermodal station in Palmdale?

About this trip? On the basis of distance and steady pace along the existing tracks, the journey will probably take at least 2 1/2 hours. It would be fast enough to compete against trips by car (unlikely) or plane (maybe)

to travel at any time expressly or there will be several stops along the way? With each stop, the concept becomes less and less viable. One would think that stopping Palmdale (point of transfer is possible) and Victorville (the point where the San Bernardino County residents can embark to go to Las Vegas) will be a possibility.

becomes an end in Victorville? If some of the ideas that seem less viable Victorville, DesertXpress plans have reduced the cell and place less emphasis in this city?

What are the implications for long-term plan? Western High Speed ​​Rail Association is always designed to Las Vegas is a natural center for future high-speed lines in Salt Lake City, Denver and Phoenix. Is this the catalyst for the south of the rail network?

Speaking rebrand DesertXpress train XpressWest consistent with this possibility.

Many people have written off as DesertXpress bad idea.

new opportunities with the Metro may be the only game company has to save the game.

Las Vegas Stories of the Sun columnist

The latest survey reveals very little about Nevada - on the surface

The latest survey reveals very little about Nevada - on the surface

By Jon Ralston

(contact)

class=”bypubdate”> Friday, the first of June 2012 | 02:00

pair days before the 2010 elections, having predicted the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, leader will survive, I received an email from smart member of the Republican Party said he was “very brave” but probably wrong.

“We crush the independence of Harry,” I was the Republican Sharron Angle. “() In the latest (survey) are the best in our campaign.”

relate this story not just gently remind him that I was right – although it never ceases to be an expert in the chest, swelling – but to remind all the light of recent Nevada polls numbers that are often misunderstood and the least I can be wrong. In fact, surveys of more than five months before the election showed very little on the surface that you do not know, the proverbial shot in time, space chosen, the state of the game.

So when NBC / Marist poll released this week, said the presidential race and the U.S. Senate in Nevada are air-ups – 48-46 for Presi dent Barack Obama, 46 – 44, and Senator Dean Heller – my visceral response: No joke.

But addict survey, which delved into the crosstab, you can say something about the validity of the survey and the scheme set to help determine the outcome in November. As the holiday season increases with the surveys that will likely be published by independent sources such as NBC / Marist to establish the basis and works with independent sources not biased (usually fundraising), worth given that this survey remind you seek.

Back in 2010, many surveys incorrectly under the impression that the angle was likely to beat Reid. But there were problems with almost all these studies, wisely by exploring the interior. Reid pollster Mark Mellman I was having only consistently accurate numbers for a reason. His model of the response to review carefully about what was actually

NBC / Marist poll made some assumptions that could be instructive for November, but can also interfere with current results. Or … maybe not.

As research

certainly not influence the key factors that determine the outcome of top-of-ticket races – and perhaps others too. Three keys to watch:

• Regional Response: Nevada has three states: North, South and Rural. The higher the percentage of votes in Clark County, the better for Democrats, who have a great advantage for the record. NBC / Marist poll shows participation model of Clark County is up 72 percent of the vote in November. It has a high content of around 5 percentage points in the last two elections, fails the super-conservative rural Nevada almost the same amount. Washoe County, the counties of swing, was closer. But if this is what it seems that the turnout in November, which is unlikely, President Obama is likely to win the state, Representative Shelley Berkley and could be a U.S. Senator. Meanwhile, NBC / Marist poll showed Berkley Clark won six and lost by 12 points at Washoe – I’m willing to bet $ 10,000 for Mitt Romney, if these are the results of November, on the basis of that response will probably will lose a considerable margin. In addition, Obama has shown only Clark wins by 5 points – if this happens, lose situation

• Hispanic participation: NBC / Marist poll has Hispanics 19 percent of the electorate. that is something that never happened in the history of the state. It is the largest in the last two cycles, in which 15 percent of voters are Latino. If 19 percent is not happening – not impossible – I think it is hard to believe Heller or Mitt Romney would win. A warning: survey shows that Hispanic respondents, Obama won 61-33, and 57-39 in Berkeley-not nearly as large as the 2008 Obama or Reid in 2010. If these percentages are correct, both in Berkeley and Obama are in trouble.

Reply • Gender: Women represent 50 percent of NBC / Marist universe, which seems a bit low – usually around 52 percent. There is a gender gap – Obama takes the lead among women 54-40 and 50-40 of Berkley. So despised in this study.

Other factors – such as many elderly people fall, which is the basis of loyalty and enthusiasm as the partisan level . However, regional, gender and Hispanic participation will tell us more than we know, so these numbers are valid for tracking all surveys.

Another reason went back to that time was in 2010 that angered Republicans here in Washington Thursday to NBC / Marist results, because they thought that was distorting the Democrat. Maybe they are.

But I have a very bold prediction that only experts pensive, almost omniscient can do: You can not

.

Fox News slanders of Las Vegas, the city is quiet

Fox News slanders of Las Vegas, the city is quiet

Class class = “credits”> Associated Press

class=”caption”> Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly appears on Fox News program “O’Reilly Factor” in 2007 in New York.

class=”byline”> By Jon Ralston (contact)

class=”bypubdate”> Friday, May 25, 2012 | 02:00

class = “photo-byline”> Justin M. Bowen

class=”caption”> Oscar Goodman swears his wife, Carolyn Goodman, as the new mayor of Las Vegas City Council during a meeting on Wednesday, July sixth 2011th

Shortly after took office in February 2009, in the unlikely maintenance of Elkhart, Indiana, Obama is attempting to Bombay Sapphire, Oscar Goodman:

“You can not go on tour in Las Vegas or go to the Super Bowl in the currency the taxpayer’s dime, “Obama said, referring to the travel companies that received government bailout.

Then Mayor Goodman, as I’m sure you remember, all but spit their olive bombarded in the media and did not stop in the coming years, more than two. When the president made the comments focused on other Vegas almost exactly a year later – “When times are tough, do not blow a lot of money in Las Vegas when you are trying to save for college,” even those who saw his comments as of 2009 there was a reasonable “time 02:00 deceive me” time.

But now, with one of the most horrible national television this week in Las Vegas, as we suffered a terrible recession, I wonder why the Goodman family are not outraged, threatening to hit people standing to honor the city and grabbing all the cable during Mayor Carolyn Goodman (and perhaps the first man ) can do.

Should not the last to save an endless list of national data given to the poor, stigmatized and traumatized Sin City, Fox News’ The O’Reilly Factor, “spoke of a piece incredibly stupid and insulting to me ‘Las Vegas wine. The piece was aired on the night of the parody of journalism, and contained one of the most insulting phrase I saw in Las Vegas producer Jesse Watters O’Reilly.

foxnewsinsider.com promoted segment with this headline. “O’Reilly Factor” producer know why Las Vegas in the unemployment rate rose “

Hmm, I am optimistic thinking to yourself, maybe this turn the country into a devastating recession here, perhaps further why so many people are unemployed, and perhaps looking at the housing crisis (which was not too concerned with the inaccuracies title – the unemployment rate is falling here -. because I know little, and my producer is about grabbing the attent ion of the viewer).

Oh, no. When the shooting began painfully cliche side agreements “Viva Las Vegas” and the first interview with Robin Leach, I knew what time we go down – and it is paved with good intentions. Leach, the his credit, Watters said that Las Vegas is a “tale of two cities”, but Watters is only interested in a -. Unreal in a Las Vegas Boulevard South

Watters then interviewed by a mix of tourists, who, surprisingly, reported on the holiday and shopping in the Gaza Strip. This is better than Edward R. Murrow in London rooftop. innovative materials.

without thinking interspersed among the interviews were fragments of films they had no clear link to the piece (but may have occurred to the folk art Watters).

And after the segment was positive, and Fox.

Watters find someone who complains that the following “Obama said in Las Vegas is the place to be, died in three or four years.” Bingo. then played a clip of Obama’s 2010 Las Vegas and found a man in the president waste .

ridiculously bad journalism. However, a large of its kind for the Romney campaign.

Then grill for three minutes, complete with faux wisdom, and the Quick Edit, Watters appeared again in the study. This is where the real division in the parody and you could see what Ailes Fox. This part can not be paraphrased as:

O’Reilly ” Therefore, it does not work “

Watters:” There are around half a million people in Las Vegas (not at all, and he was a county’s population is four times larger), but $ 40 million to visit Las Vegas each year, making it drip economic situation. “

What? I trader David, please.

Watters more:” The conservative magnates Sheldon Adelson is running Gaza, Steve Wynn, and compete to see who can build a larger fiefdoms here. “. or Macau? And there are other companies? A spectacular view of the factors.

O’Reilly:” Can not get a job there ( in Gaza) do not need the services of the people here? “

Watters:” They are hiring, but not so big-time. You are getting small jobs, menial jobs, a lot of illegal immigrants. We saw a lot of illegal immigrants on the street handing out cards strip club, the people doing the work of slaves. “

Finally some news! No jobs in Las Vegas, in exception of illegal immigrants! So the next pounces on Watters and O’Reilly asked how he knew they were illegal immigrants, right?

But … no. was finished. Maybe Watters knew they were illegal because they are grilled. Or maybe he knew, as he said. Or perhaps because, um, do not spea k English. never know.

and people say journalism is dead.

One question, though: Where is the outrage of the Goodman family. Or LHCV? Or Trade

waiting.

It is time to test a representative of Transparency

It is time to test a representative of Transparency

By Jon Ralston

(contact)

class=”bypubdate”> Wednesday, May 23, 2012 | 02:00

I have a test for contrast.

pedants or superficial or meaningless. Say: “No new taxes”, or be labeled a waste of money waste. Say: “More money for education,” or be branded an enemy of children.

This is all part of the devolution of political discourse, take advantage of today drapers Do you give what the public is eager to eat – a miraculous alchemy of turning what should be emetic in something that tastes better and is less filling. But both Therefore, a litmus test comes along that really will not turn something about the character of political intent.

thanks to the Assembly Republican leader Pat Hickey, one that we are about to be applied to each legislator to vote, and every candidate who comes from the 12 th June Primaries, who wants to be member number 63 of the banda I call the test of transparency, which reveal how lawmakers and legislators candidates to, think about pulling the curtain on campaign financing and influe nce peddling and will be a window if you want to protect the secrecy of the system or the right to information.

As I wrote on Sunday, the proposals Hickey is long and must be supported by someone who believes it is time to end the institutionalized corruption in Carson City Kabbalah. As the Secretary of State Dean Heller and Miller as Ross is specifically because these reforms are to enter the building, but not legally find their way to the governor’s desk.

It’s time to change that. Or at least try to get the record long before 2013, so when Hickey is a pack a day, can be transferred on Day 2.

I know what I’m lacking sleep. Or live in Polyanna planet. Or dip into my reserves of Glenlivet.

None of the above. What was out of patience with broken systems that inhabit the mediocre will do everything possible to protect the structure built on the foundations of the squalor and the only way out is a revolving door.

really do not care if Hickey is honest – I think – as I do on the fundamental wave of his plan. In case you missed the point, are:

• Reports in real time campaign contributions;

• Require candidates to tell how many were on hand after the election;

> • reported the news of intriguing and donors who give advice;

Secretariat • Empowerment of State to audit reports;

• cooling-off period for legislators before they can become lobbyists.

My guess is that there are a lot of condescending smiles on the faces of legislators and intriguing that they heard these things before and just calculate the challenge is to find a way to kill the idea, probably during the closing rush. Good.

I have a challenge in mind . And that’s why he sent the test of transparency, all Members voted in this series, looking for places in these principles. Long before the hammer comes down in the ’13 session, we know that members of the crew 63 (I will send proof of transparency imposed on non-game winners in major 12 June) will be occupied by institutionalized corruption and that they will not. And, yes, the lack of response or some mouth-floury ” I want to see the written proposal “to” no “votes.

I will post all results on my blog, so I’ll update the list as new sites come If you want an indication of how transparency is like sunlight to vampires that suck blood out of the system, consider what happened when conservative think tank, the NPRI of Nevada Press Association and the issues of these people on similar issues. few employees responded .

I would say that we should be ashamed, but shame is home to 120 days every two years in the state capital. I know some Democrats are back due to stupid Hickey said the ethical failures of democracy during his press conference on Monday. But I have three words for them: Get over it. And if Hickey and Republicans want to upload your high horse theft policy, I have five words for them . Jim Gibbons and John Ensign

I know how difficult it is to get voters interested in this issue, which is what those in power bank. So I do what the consultants tell candidates that make the its empty sound bites to ensure the least idea sink in vacuum:

keep talking about it again and again, until we know that passes the test of fire and conducive to corruption.

Las Vegas Sun columnist Stories:

Dean Heller budget gimmick is silly cynical

Dean Heller budget gimmick is silly cynical

class = “credits”> Steve Marcus

class=”caption”> Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), looks on during the process 9/11 commemoration ceremony at Memorial Park police on Sunday, 11 September, the 2011th

class=”byline”> By Jon Ralston (contact)

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 | 02:00

Senator Dean Heller “no pay no budget” dumbest idea of ​​the bill to come in a while.

And perhaps more intelligent.

Heller, who spoke about his stupid temper in the Senate Tuesday proposing a placebo to hide the electorate, cynically exploiting voter anger to advance their own interests, but certainly not the country. As the scenes of an election year to go, this is not enough to call this a gap, because that would mean it is not harmful.

n. This is because it is not designed to fix or improve, but the Barbarians at the Gate, while Heller, hidden inside their Trojan horse “ideas” become DC, but DC

When Heller was first proposed this idea to cut the salaries of Congress if the Senate and House approved a budget, I thought it was obviously a trick that you meet the qualifications of the value of local news cycle. But in the last year, as I’m sure his interviewer said, people were eating the “idea” and so has become more emboldened. “There is no budget to pay” is a symbol of the worst in politics – an empty phrase, without weight or substance. The Democrats are an expert in such madness – they want to “preserve and protect Medicare,” but few have any idea how to do it

Your face, the idea that adherence to their members of Congress reward the best response is ridiculous .. Heller has not known that almost half of the millionaires and the other half probably come near the office? Absolutely.

Yes, many would feel the blow of a couple hundred grand. But if so, why stop at a budget? Why not force them to lose their reward when they vote for a budget that will “end Medicare as we know,” or create a “death board” for the elderly?

Or go further: If Heller is really serious – and it does – why not suggest that if you do not pass the budget that each should give up? I bet the audience goes crazy for this, Senator.

Finally made me rethink this heavy political ploy, Heller was a seven-minute floor speech Tuesday. I was surprised that none of his colleagues was slower.

Senator, that shows no sense of irony, gave this speech as Capraesque that Heller only come to the Capitol, Polyannaish maker of good works that simply can not believe my colleagues are doing .

Heller began to speak of non-coincidence, but as the law is ridiculous to speak a “serious debate about the future of our nation …. The American people do not think today is serious debate. ”

Really?

Heller then went on to indirectly insult the majority of the Senate Harry Reid, suggests that inclusion of the 100 Business Club “can be regarded as a political comedy, if the game is not that great.” I think he called you a fool and Senator Reid.

But then Heller went on to indicate their level of self-knowledge is even smaller than I thought.

“is nothing less than a political show,” said Heller, a budget speech and debate, but may be related to the measures he was about to talk about it.

And then, the senator asked, “Have you ever wondered why the Congressional approval rate is so low?”

Actually no, Senator. But I guess I s ay: It is unnecessary because of tricks like this

Heller acknowledged, however, that the law “is not a magic solution.” Really? The way we talk about it …

Legislative truck after discovering that he managed to get 10 – cuéntelo – co-sponsors for his trip to nowhere-bill, I pulled on my calculator is the tenth in the U.S. Senate. Impressive.

Ah, I understand: When the proposed revocation of the counterparts of wages, which will meet to access your account. Therefore, only helps members Heller forward – yes, three-term congressman, former secretary and former Assembly member, not a politician, but a rare bird that rises above the rest of the birds crime political

Sun “Our nation is literally can not afford to survive, sound bites and press releases about the importance of the budget,” concluded the man who sent more than two dozen my news on “The budget payment” from July. (Hey, “unlabeled” accepted!)

As Heller said it would be funny if the stakes not so high. They are, so it is not. In fact, takes advantage of the naivety of the public to get an exorbitant rate (), which has to do with solving the budget crisis.

I’m sure many people reading this will be outraged by what looks like my condescension with the average voter. If so, I have a mitigating news: I have no lack of respect for you Dean Heller

. Las Vegas Sun columnist Stories:

Skybridge Alternatives Conference will return year, a prestigious presence in the industry in Las Vegas

Skybridge Alternatives Conference will return year, a prestigious presence in the industry in Las Vegas

class = “credits”> Sam Morris

class=”caption”> Mayor Oscar Goodman was interviewed by Maria Bartiromo of CNBC anchor spread over the site in the Skybridge alternative news conference on Thursday, 20 May 2010 at the Bellagio.

class = “caption”> Richard N. Velotta Former Mayor Oscar Goodman was in his element last week of the stage in a major conference of financial services industry, martini in hand and dancers in each arm.

Goodman as President of the Organizing Committee of Las Vegas, was the key to the city and managing partner Anthony Scaramucci of Skybridge Capital, which produced the Skybridge alternatives (salt) held in Las Vegas four years ago and returned again the following year.

Scaramucci was very surprised when pavoneaban Goodman is on stage, because the presentation was not the SALT program.

“We just wanted to welcome you and thank you for coming,” said Goodman before a crowd of over 1000, which began to gather waiting to hear the speech of the former vice president Al Gore.

For about three minutes, Goodman had been Santa Claus in a three-piece suit, spread joy and happy memories of Las Vegas for the industry group in the ci ty always wanted.

Skybridge, research-driven investment firm with U.S. $ 6.2 billion in assets, was founded in 2005, a conference of the Sun was born in the midst of a recession in 2009. The event includes an analysis of macroeconomic trends and geopolitical events, and other investment opportunities in the context of a dynamic global economy.

Over the years, the conference was presented at the Bellagio, I had some heavyweights are saying. The former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, the Republican Party’s favorite president, Mitt Romney, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Colin Powell, as the stage of salt. This year, he joined Al Gore and former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and 2008 vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, as speakers of the conference.

The first conference, in the presence of 500, the event this year were sold in February, the 2,000 tickets

.

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors of Congress Sales Executive John Schreiber has worked with his partner Victor Oviedo Skybridge from the first event was scheduled in Las Vegas.

“We sit and talk about how he could surprise my boss with some light between the speaker,” said Schreiber.

hope is that fund managers attending this event not only remember the impressive speaker, but to have a good time.

“When the participants at home and someone asks:” Why did you do in Vegas? “We tell them: ‘For us, the price of Vegas,” said Schreiber.

Chris Meyer, vice president of sales LHCV, said the organization should pay special attention to the event, representing the business sector that the city wants more.

“The organizers of this event are great supporters face to face contacts and meetings business,” said Meyer. “And that’s exactly the message we try to present, we are all business during the d ay, but we have fun at night.”

Oviedo, the main organizer of Salt, a fan of Las Vegas.

“When you look objectively at Las Vegas, this is the ideal place for conferences or events,” said Oviedo. “We will have this conference and the facilities first class hotel in the world.”

Oviedo said that the common experience of Las Vegas is perfect for business.

“When you meet someone for the first time and wants to continue this relationship, if the field, are less likely to get the phone call,” said Oviedo. “But if you call back in New York and says,” Hey, do not forget the conference, when we sat down and we had this conversation? And you have a shared experience, is more likely to maintain this relationship and build an event. “

And if you think that these executives are looking for wild and crazy time, because what happens here stays here, think again. Skybridge made fun of the participants.

One night company hire Maroon 5 to perform a private concert to launch an initiative called philanthropic nonprofit foundation to Aspire.

Another night, was not in the pool for “under the stars at the party San Gennaro “tasting Italian food chefs offer Bellagio.

Oviedo, said the salt a great success and would recommend to go to bat for the industry conference in Las Vegas.

And if the former mayor and his chorus can also convince a bank to meet this case, the effort worth it

Michael McDonald is a city becomes more and more curious

Michael McDonald is a city becomes more and more curious

By Jon Ralston

(contact)

class=”bypubdate”> Friday, the fourth of May 2012 | 02:00

No money. He has no experience. All Michael McDonald is one of the sweetest deals of the evolutionary history of the local authorities.

When you win, no-risk contract with Las Vegas, perhaps foreshadowing “We love corporate welfare” of the wood this weekend at the state convention of the Republican Party chairman (and former councilors from Las Vegas) McDonald signed.

I know what you think: is the city actually sign a contract? Who knew that the formal Roundheels say?

However, despite having no experience in the development of extensive experience in the juice, McDonald scored a deal that includes $ 4 million in funds from the City only Bob Coffin opposition. But he had to sign a paper saying that when the contract was executed with the city for the country, had reached nearly $ 140,000.

I was curious where McDonald could get to a difficult brief, which appeared after less than two years before the bankruptcy, his house was saved only tha nks to the generosity of the Walters developer / player Billy, who bought all of McDonald’s house in a short sale and exregidors grateful stay. But where to get this many McDonald, said that the contract was paid “to the execution of leases of land in the city …”

It is not. McDonald did not provide verification when he came to the City Council this week to sign documents. I guess his eyes and head are fine with Goodman II Council.

Unfortunately, some employees may be considered annoying new partner must follow the agreement. “So now, if not paid, the city attorney will review the situation,” said city spokesman said Wednesday afternoon.

A few hours after it went public this situation, at 5:43 pm on Wednesday, I saw the bill), McDonald came to the office of economic development and left a check for $ 141,692.81 . Paid in full.

But not McDonald.

This is where the story gets interesting: McDonald, when he made his co urt before his Council, presented the man defeated in the race for council for 17 years as his “assistant” – or more no less than Frank Hawkins, who had success with affordable housing projects in Las Vegas and is clearly led by McDonald for credibility. That is, he has built something. McDonald, not both

Hawkins told the council that he was just a “consultant” and can invest in the development stages in the future.

In fact, the contract is signed twice in two McDonald LLC, a call-Vegas1 Decatur (city) Ltd and others were asked to fight in Ireland (as the developer is a fan of Notre Dame).

According to the publication, provided that no other investors in McDonald LLC. Only him.

The two organizations were formed in February, according to Secretary of State. However, no McDonald will deliver the check to the city late at night.

Check out the National Construction Providers Inc, located in Reno. Yes, not in Las Vegas and Atlanta, or even anywhere near South Bend. Reno.

Why? Again, the site offers an emergency response at hand. The company president Luther Mack, a well known businessman, northern Nevada, and its director, Frank Hawkins.

You know, the “advisor” who was in charge of the hearing, McDonald, who is now in charge of the money to ensure their good treatment becomes sour. I think we all have to thank to all Reno to Las Vegas with economic development. Very generous of our northern brothers, no?

Apparently, there is nothing illegal in this transaction, and the only real thorn McDonald would have paid in full when the contract was executed, or that it agreed to pay the money, not a “consultant”. But if you believe there are some people healthy and sober on Stewart Avenue in those days, must be wondering why the Council came out of his way to lavish $ 4 million to the recently bankrupt man who has never built anything in his life and is funded by the Reno-based work that his “advisor” directs.

We like to call: This is the draft Hawkins – presented to the Council, and he was, and while federal aid coming to the city, the money behind it, too

remains unclear. If you really need two McDonald LLC, and if there are other investors in these companies, why should Hawkins? Why not a city signed an agreement with Hawkins in his place?

I’m still trying to figure out exactly what McDonald’s has earned $ 4 million of taxpayers money in Las Vegas.