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Departing Senator Could Benefit Nevada Casino Industry25 May 2001WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 25, 2001 –As reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal: "The expected departure of Sen. Jim Jeffords, R-Vt., from the GOP could set in motion a chain of events that is expected to benefit the casino industry. "…A Jeffords move could make Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., the Senate Majority Whip, the second most powerful position in the Senate, and give Reid's party control of committee chairmanships. "That dynamic would lead to the removal of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a key proponent of a college sports betting ban at Nevada casinos, from his influential post as chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee. "…`He has tremendous power in that position over what legislation gets to the floor, as well as how and when,' American Gaming Association chief Frank Fahrenkopf, the casino industry's chief Capitol Hill lobbyist, said of Reid. "…Proponents of the proposed betting ban, including the NCAA, argue it is needed to protect the integrity of college sports. Opponents say its passage will be a boon for illegal bookmakers…" |