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Presents letters to the editor on various topics. Opposition to the efforts of those who would have Vermont secede from the union, a reader's response to the Kirkpatrick Sale article, "Blue State Secession," in the Dec. 13 issue; Election bright spots cited by John Nichols in the Dec. 6 article, "Democrats Score in the Rockies"; Praise and criticism for Sasha Abramsky's "Why Bush Scored in Nevada"; Praise for Thomas Geoghegan's "Take It to the Blue States" [Nov. 29].

The author focuses on the need for political parties in Nevada to use statistics for illumination and not for support. He mentions that voter registration and party popularity in the state have followed national trends. He emphasizes the importance of non-partisans and Independent Americans who could change the result of elections. He also notes several factors that could influence the vote of Nevada residents.

The article expresses an opinion on the decision of Boyd Gaming to replace the Stardust casino with Echelon Place in Las Vegas, Nevada. The casino symbolizes the good and the bad side of the gaming industry in the city. The casino also posed a major problem to the city. The casino's operator revolutionized the gaming industry by making the race and sport book an important part in casino operations.

The author looks at the issues faced by U.S. Senator Harry Reid and Governor Jim Gibbons in Nevada in 2007. He mentions that the popularity ratings of Reid with Nevadans could be worrisome according to the periodical "Las Vegas Review." He cites that the allegation of hiring of an illegal immigrant by the family of Gibbons while he expressed disapproval of illegal immigrants faded in importance. He states that the economic problems that allow Gibbons to try to destroy state services do not affect the gaming industry.

The author comments on the fiscal and social issues arising from the population growth of Nevada. He criticizes those who advocate for the reduction of public services in order to lessen budget deficit. He thinks that the older population tend to neglect the need to fund education and basic social infrastructures to support the growing population.

The author traces the root cause of the debate about Nevada's revenue shortfall leading to budget cuts. He believes that understanding the debate requires an understanding of the evolution of the state's tax policies. He reports that teachers in the state started a petition drive for an initiative to raise the gaming tax since they feel the gaming sector does not pay its fair share. Gaming officials, on the other hand, argue not that they should not pay taxes, but that other should, too.

The author criticizes Nevada governor Jim Gibbons' bias toward the gaming industry. Gibbons' decision not to impose new taxes on the $1 billion gaming industry, he says, deprives education, welfare and mental health treatment of much needed funding. He blames Gibbons' supporters particularly MGM Mirage Chairman Terry Lanni who gave what he perceives as a politically-motivated $100,000 campaign contribution. Gibbons' victory over Dina Titus, he avers, will most likely benefit the likes of Sheldon Adelson and the powerful gaming industry as a whole.

The author cites the differences and similarities of Las Vegas, Nevada with New York City. He notes that Manhattan and Las Vegas lack land due to the rise of building and condominium construction. He states that both cities have problems in poverty and their appearance. He believes that New York has a sense of community that Las Vegas has not yet achieved.

The author discusses the history of the gambling industry in Las Vegas, Nevada and other U.S. states in the 1970s. He mentions the move of businessman Frank Fertitta Jr. in 1976 when he started the Station Casinos and build the Bingo Palace in Interstate 15 on Sahara Avenue. The author says that other locally oriented casinos had prospered, most notably the Showboat. He discusses the vote that approved legal gambling in Atlantic City in New Jersey in the same year the Bingo Palace opened.

The author comments on the proposed arena to be built by Harrah's Entertainment and Anschutz Entertainment Group in Las Vegas, Nevada. He describes the potential benefits of the move of Anschutz Entertainment for the Las Vegas' entertainment industry. He assesses the need of Las Vegas for another arena when it already has the MGM Grand Garden Arena and Mandalay Bay Events Center. He explores the impact of an additional arena on the police.

The author reflects on the implication of the controversy over the plan to store high-level nuclear waste at the Yucca Mountain in Nevada for the political career of Governor Jim Gibbons. He explains two moves taken by Gibbons that suggest one of two possibilities concerning the issue. He cites criticisms received by Gibbons from several Democrats including Representative Shelley Berkley. The author also argues that Gibbons will remain part of the campaign against the Yucca Mountain.

The author comments on the opening of the Springs Reserve facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. He notes that the facility has been controversial for several reasons. He says that the area should have been kept in its original condition and should not be changed. He believes that the facility provides lessons that could be learned by visitors, such as using water wisely.

The author criticizes the current legislature for failing to act on key issues that are important to the society. Some of the radical actions taken by the 1955 legislature are creation of the Gaming Control Board and the establishment of countywide school districts. He relates that the 1955 legislature overcame Nevada's traditionally anti-government ideology and the partisan divide between the two chambers. While the current lawmakers choose not to take a radical action.

The author looks at some new turning points for the history of businesses in Nevada. He says that in 1931, the Legislature approved gambling. He notes that by 1945, the state began taxing and regulating gaming, followed by the introduction of the Gaming Control Board in 1955. He argues that without gambling, two-thirds of the Legislature's membership would not come from Clark County.

The author reflects on scandals involving Las Vegas Governor Jim Gibbons before he took office. Gibbons allegedly hired an illegal immigrant as a nanny. The author discusses Gibbons' familial tremors, his opposition of all-day kindergarten, and his pledge to not raise taxes. The author concludes that Nevadans who voted for Gibbons should be embarrassed.

The author presents comments on the importance of a bill legalizing most forms of gambling signed by Governor Fred Balzar in Nevada on March 19, 1931. He says that some residents have been known to oppose the measure. Also noted is that the history of such amusements in the state has strong rural roots. According to him, gambling was both a contributor to and a beneficiary of the declining number of major economic downturns in the 20th century.

The author reflects on the scandal being faced by Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons over his connections to U.S. defense contractor Warren Trepp. The author cites a report from "The Wall Street Journal" indicating that Gibbons is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He argues that corruption is bipartisan as indicated in the old maxim which says that Republicans get into trouble over money and Democrats over sex.

The article focuses on the 2007 Legislature in Nevada. Barbara Buckley is the first woman speaker and the author believes that some members may react differently to her than they would to a male speaker. Richard Perkins was the first working policeman to be speaker and members of the assembly still constantly surrendered their right to remain silent.

The author criticizes Republican Governor Jim Gibbons of Nevada. Gibbons took the oath of office three times, including once just after midnight of January 1, 2007, claiming that he just wants to make sure Nevada was ready for any emergency. Gibbons wanted to name the Gaming Control Board's investigations chief to the vacant position where outgoing Governor Kenny Guinn appointed his former chief of staff. The author thinks that Gibbons has yet to make clear what his policies and hopes are.

The article discusses political conditions in the state of Nevada in 2006. Efforts to eliminate corruption include the ousting of County Commissioner Lynette Boggs McDonald and State Senator Sandra Tiffany. The proposed legalization of marijuana was voted down while limitations were imposed on smoking. Voters elected a governor who faced numerous allegations, including assaulting a cocktail waitress.

The article offers the author's opinion on the contributions of several politicians in Nevada. He comments on the works of Mayor Bill Briare, who died of complications from Alzheimer's disease. He also talks about the contributions of Maya Miller, who died in June 2006 and Republican politician Walt Casey.

The article reflects on how Nevada has changed in many ways. A law that prohibits a person to smoke in some public places has been introduced in the state. Marijuana possession in Nevada can only be legal for medicinal purposes. The state can be described as a place of libertarianism. Its citizens may dislike the federal government but there were no objections in rural towns to federal projects.

The author talks about election outcomes, including reports from "Las Vegas Review-Journal" (R-J) and "Las Vegas Sun." He said that R-J's editorial pages attacked Titus and her campaign which is not surprising because editors and editorial writers of the journal do not like Titus. The "Las Vegas Sun" featured a large photo of and interview with Titus. According to him, the R-J's slanting has gone against the Democrats while the Sun technically is a Republican but Democrats like the Sun's coverage.

The author comments on scandals surrounding U.S. Representative Jim Gibbons. He claims that in the case of Chrissy Mazzeo, Gibbons displayed poor judgment and that he employed an undocumented immigrant as a nanny before making advertisements against his gubernatorial rival Senator Dina Titus' position on illegal immigration. He added that all of the issues will be documented in Nevada history as either a case study of political and personal stupidity or a campaign surviving tremendous scandals.

The article discusses several news items related to Las Vegas and Nevada. Senator Harry Reid has been criticized due to a land deal and his use of campaign funds. The husband of State Controller Kathy Augustine is being accused of killing her. Harrah's Entertainment has received a buyout offer from two private equity firms.

The article discusses the actions of several legislators to abandon Carson City to serve in Clark County, Nevada, as County Commissioner. Two current commissioners including Tom Collins and Myrna Williams gave up Assembly seats, while Lynette Boggs McDonald is seeking her second term on the commission. However, several controversies involving the County Commissioner are discussed, including four commissioners guilty of taking bribes from club owner Michael Galardi.

The article provides information on political candidates in Nevada and the issues related to their qualifications to run in the election. Jack Carter is questioned by some supporters of Senator John Ensign regarding his residency in Nevada. Candidate Tessa Hafen is criticized by her opponent Representative Jon Porter for maintaining her Nevada residency while living in Washington D. C. for eight years.

The author reports on the efforts of Steve Wynn to focus on the dealers and their tips, and expresses the need for a union among dealers in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wynn dealers are upset because they had to start pooling their tips, which could cost them an estimated $10,000 per year. The author said that the main problem for unhappy dealers is that they have no union. A union protects employees and without it, some operators merely discourage crooked dealers from coming back.

The article deals with the results of the 2006 primary in Nevada. Senator Dina Titus has defeated Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson by a large percentage of votes. Republican State Treasurer Brian Krolicki has defeated Barbara Lee in the lieutenant governor's primary. For the Republican Party primary for governor, Representative Jim Gibbons has defeated State Senator Bob Beers.

The article presents the author's view on personalities in the gambling industry in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bill Boyd and Michael Gaughan have decided to divorce. Boyd Gaming has retained the custody of Coast Casinos. The wedding of Steve Wynn and Jack Binion took several years to realize. Boyd engaged in the casino business in 1941 as a dealer.

The article comments on the loss of individual character of newspapers in Las Vegas, Nevada. The role of the Internet in the declining number of newspaper readers is tackled. The contributions of former "R-J" reporter and editor Colin McKinlay to local journalism are cited. It stresses that more newspapers are becoming part of chains that demand institutional similarities.

This article presents insights on the trend towards government and policymaking by ballots in Nevada. Sherman Rattner and the Coalition to Protect the Future of Boulder City has proposed regarding the sale of thousands of acres of land and divide the proceeds for the residents. Companies in the gaming, hotel and retail sector have proposed to stop initiatives to limit smoking in public places.

This article looks at the possible outcome of the gubernatorial race in Las Vegas, Nevada in the November 2007 elections. The article features a list of the major candidates for governor and their accomplishments including Mayor Jim Gibson and State Senator Bob Beers. It mentions several prominent women who have sought for the gubernatorial seat but eventually lost due to sexism in politics and other personal reasons.

Presents insights on a report released by "Los Angeles Times" about judges in Las Vegas, Nevada. Claims made by the report; Reasons for the lack of a similar report from local reporters in the city; Views on the favor being given by judges to friends or companies; Importance of reform in election campaign financing, ethics rules and controls over former judges.

The article ponders on several issues related to the political system of Nevada. Hispanics who are representing the two major political parties in the attorney general's race are identified. The author also ponders on the impact of immigration on the attorney general's race. Information on teacher Cindy Reid, one of the candidates running in the State Board of Education District 4 race, is presented.

Explores the proliferation of political corruption in Las Vegas, Nevada. Examples of political corruption in the city; Association between several major casino operators in the city to major Midwestern crime syndicates; Prevalence of cronyism in the city.

The author reflects on the history of the Fremont Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Several people involved in the establishment of the hotel include Eddie Levinson and Lou Lurie. The role of Channel 13 in the increase in the number of hotel guests is discussed. Background on the sale of the business to Argent Corp. is presented.

Comments on issues involving Senator Harry Reid of Nevada. Result of a poll on Raid's ratings in Nevada in 2004; List of powerful U.S. senators from Nevada; Reason for the dispute between U.S. President George W. Bush and Reid.

Talks about some events related to the history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Anniversary of the opening of the El Rancho Vegas hotel; Celebration of Don English and his decades as a Las Vegas News Bureau photographer.

Offers a look at the political careers of some former and present attorneys general in Nevada. Observation that the job of the attorney general has been controversial and a political stepping stone for holders of the position; Implications of the position for the political careers of former attorneys general such as Harvey Dickerson and Roger D. Foley; Claim by George Chanos that he will not seek a full term as attorney general.

The article recalls two events that happened in March 1931 in Las Vegas, Nevada that made the city famous. On March 11, Six Companies started building the Hoover Dam that brought a population burst into the city and became a tourist attraction. Eight days after, two new laws took effect in the city. One was the reduced requirement for divorce from three months to six weeks, and the other was allowing open gambling. The dam along with the two laws made Las Vegas the cash cow of Nevada.

Presents views on the condition set by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League to not allow betting when the sports franchises are brought to Las Vegas, Nevada. Belief of NBA Commissioner David Stern that bringing a franchise to Las Vegas was problematic; Refusal of casinos in the city to accept the condition; Denial of Las Vegas advertisement from Super Bowl telecast.

Discusses the impact of the casino, condominium and resort industries on the economy of Las Vegas, Nevada as of February 2006. Warning made by Alan Greenspan, former Federal Reserve chairman, against irrational exuberance; Strip and off-Strip hotels that catered to lower rollers; Estimated number of units which the nearly 100 condominium projects could produce.

Comments on calls for consolidation of some cities in Nevada in 2006. History of annexation in Las Vegas; Overview of efforts to consolidate Nevada cities; Implications of consolidation for local officials and employees.

The article comments on issues affecting the local media in Las Vegas, Nevada. It reflects on the ethical implications of the joint operating agreement signed by the "Sun" newspaper with "The R-J." It criticizes Webloger Hugh Jackson.

The article focuses on the competition between assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani and county commissioner Myrna Williams in the Democratic primary in Las Vegas, Nevada. The race was compared with the challenge made by Williams to commissioner Thalia Dondero in 1994. Giunchigliani and Williams have been involved in scandals.

This article comments on the role of Herb McDonald, president of events committee Las Vegas Events, in bringing the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. The education and career backgrounds of McDonald are presented. The article presents information on his significance to the opening of the Las Vegas Convention Center. He also played a role in the hiring of publicist Harvey Diederich.

The article comments on the issues concerning the city of West Las Vegas in Nevada. It is noted that in 2004, the average media home price and the apartment rental rates was one of the area's lowest. Most of the major commercial and residential developments are suburban or downtown. The problem of racism during the 1900s is observed.