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On March 5, 2013, state Senate Minority Leader Michael Roberson stunned the Legislative Building by assembling a majority of his caucus to propose a mining tax initiative.
A month earlier, Democratic leaders had promised a revolutionary session on taxes, promising to fully fund education. So surely they would embrace Roberson’s proposal, or at least use it as a jumping-off point for serious discussions about a tax package.
But they did not.
Instead, they whispered about how untrustworthy the...
Two years ago, Adam Laxalt thought he was a superb lawyer with amazing analytical and writing abilities. His colleagues thought otherwise.
In a self-evaluation he filled out in 2012 for his law firm, Lewis & Roca, Laxalt labeled his skills as either “exceeds expectations” or “outstanding.” He bragged about his ability to “demonstrate solid grasp of basic legal concepts” and “draft clear and concise written work that is free from errors of grammar, usage, and spelling…” His colleagues...
UPDATED BELOW WITH LAXALT CAMPAIGN STATEMENT, 5 pm:
Republican AG hopeful Adam Laxalt was described by his firm's evaluation committee as "a train wreck" who "doesn't even have the basic skill set," according to a review of his performance two years ago.
The assessment by the Lewis & Roca Associate Evaluation and Compensation Committee (AECC) suggested that Laxalt attend seminars to "address basic legal principles" because of his "horrible reviews" and because he "has judgment issues and...
Good morning, everyone. As you can see below, today is the eight-year anniversary of an LA Times exposé about Harry Reid and Harvey Whittemore. That piece detailed the symbiotic relationship between The Family Reid and Whittemore. Harry scratched Harvey’s back; Harvey scratched Harry’s. I note this because when Whittemore was indicted, Reid ran away as fast as he could, did his shocked, shocked act and pretended his former friend had leprosy. Whittemore is now in prison for a scheme that seems...
Good morning, everyone. I don’t know how many of you watched the all-too familiar events unfold in Ferguson last night, but I was struck about the feelings of despair and resignation I felt. To watch an American city again be rocked by militarized police and rowdy protesters, some egged on by outside agitators, was deeply disturbing. And it’s hard to say what could possibly make the Groundhog Day nature of it end.
Some say arresting the police officer who...
Good morning, everyone. UNLV must be so proud. Looking for a president, trying to build a stadium and lavishing a a contract fit for a Strip headliner on Hillary Clinton. As if that $225,000 speaking fee weren’t enough of an embarrassment, or that it is being sponsored by all of the moneyed interests in the state, this contract has become a national story. She’s a woman of the people, all right. More later, although not much, I’d guess, in the Las Vegas Sun.
After Laura Myers posted her...
Good morning, everyone. So the news came out that UNLV football will play Ohio State in Columbus in 2017. This is huge political news many have missed. Buckeye Brian Sandoval will have to make a choice: Support his alma mater and reveal himself, once and for all, to be The Northern Governor, or show he loves the South, too. But, to be fair, I may be wrong. By the time this game occurs, he may be The Northern Senator.
Note: There will be no premium “Ralston Reports” content this weekend. I am...
UPDATED WITH STUDY ATTACHED HERE, 11:15 AM
After being pummeled by doomsday scenarios from foes, The Education Initiative folks commissioned a study from UNLV that indicates significant economic benefits from the so-called margin tax.
The study, expected to be released this week, says, according to those who have seen it:
►TEI actually will increase economic activity and create jobs, including as many as 13,000 in 2016 and 10,400 jobs in 2017.
►The positive impacts from new government ...