This is an important year for politics in the United States. It is what is known as a mid-term election. During the second year of a President’s four year term elections are held. Usually key Congressional and Gubernatorial seats are up for grabs. The mid-terms are always hotly contested as it usually boils down to who is with or against the current President. This year’s mid-terms are heating up. The election will be held in November and the primaries have seen two sides with strong contradictions pit long standing incumbents against political upstarts. At stake, the political makeup of the country for the next two to four years. With issues like health care, the economy, online gambling, and the war on terror at the forefront, this year’s election could determine the fate of the nation.

One of the most watched races is taking place in Nevada. There long time Democratic Senator and Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, has been locked in a the struggle of his political life with Republican Challenger, Sharron Angle. Senator Reid has represented the state of Nevada since 1986. He has served as the Minority Whip, Minority Leader, Majority Whip and now Majority Leader. His current position gives him a great deal of influence over what is discussed on the Senate floor. For Nevadans and their casino heavy industry, he has served as the Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Senator Reid is on shaky ground right now as a conservative wave has hit the country. However, he picked up a major endorsement as of late. American Gaming Association President, Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr., has backed Senator Reid’s re-election campaign. This should help bring in some conservatives as Mr. Fahrenkopf served under popular Republican President, Ronald Reagan. “The question is are you better off having the majority leader of the senate, who can control what gets to the floor to be voted on, or a freshman senator?” he asked Nevadan voters. Mr. Fahrenkopf feels it is his duty to protect the casino industry in Nevada. Sen. Reid is happy to hear this.

Tags: casino, gambling, online