Aw, Harry [View All]

[Rose Siding]

Don't you just hate it when Republican politicians are funded by wealthy business types, then grease the skids for those donors' financial gain? The explanation usually has something to do with providing jobs -and that's good- but then you learn that the Republican politician's family members' lots are enhanced in the process? A "culture of corruption", it has been called.

The LAT put its back into this one-

Over the last four years, Reid has used his influence in Washington to help the developer, Nevada super-lobbyist Whittemore, clear obstacles from Coyote Springs' path....

As the project advanced, Reid received (at least $45,000) in campaign contributions from Whittemore. The contributions not only went to Reid's Senate campaigns, but also to his leadership fund, which he used to help bankroll the campaigns of Democratic colleagues.

Whittemore also helped advance the legal careers of two of Reid's four sons. One of the two, Leif Reid, who is Whittemore's personal lawyer, has represented the developer throughout the Coyote Springs project, including in negotiations with federal officials.

Whittemore, solidly built and well over 6 feet tall, is a partner in Nevada's biggest law firm and a veteran lobbyist for the state's gambling, liquor and tobacco industries.

His influence crosses party lines. Nevada's junior U.S. senator, Republican John Ensign, and GOP Rep. Jim Gibbons, whose district includes Coyote Springs, supported the project at key stages. But Reid's power in the Senate sets him apart and his relationship with Whittemore is deeply rooted.

"You have to understand how close the Whittemore and Reid families are," the developer said recently. "My relationship with Sen. Reid goes back decades." The senator concurs, calling Whittemore a longtime friend.

Harry's office confirms for the Times that the project will provide jobs. That's probably true. But there's still a familiar odor, isn't there?

The good news is that no hookers or gift yachts were discovered -and the piece is so thorough that had there been, it would have been reported- but some extraordinary legislative procedures were involved. Crap! (And, please, I've been a frequent defender of Senator Reid's leadership qualities. The inept Frist is only half the reason why even more ridiculous legislation hasn't made it to the Senate floor.)

You may say, "That's just how the game is played". Still, I find this very disheartening. How can the public be expected to trust Democrats if they practice, or, at the very least, appear to practice, politics the way Republicans do?

Providing that the Times has the story straight, I'm ready to favor an immediate change of Senate leaders. Maybe even someone pro-choice this time.