Obama plans Las Vegas getaway to help Harry Reid get big money

Harry Reid's no slouch in the fundraising department, with $3.3 million already on hand for next year's reelection campaign, which has thus far drawn lots of press too.

And no viable opponent from the state's battered Republican Party.

Still, in politics these days you can never have too much money, as someone showed last fall by raising $750 million, which is even more than those outrageous AIG bonuses. Now Happy Harry's bringing in Bette. And Sheryl. And some guy named Barack.

All in the name of Money.

And what better way for a new Democratic administration to symbolize cutting out excess in a time of hardship for millions of Americans than to hold a mega-fundraiser in Las Vegas, that urban personification of understatement, for a guy with millions in hand already and no one to spend it against?

Though the Democratic Senate majority leader's May 26 fundraiser at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace will feature Strip headliner Midler and songstress Crow, the biggest draw will be the commander in chief himself.

Nevada's glitterati have been clamoring for a visit since Obama turned the swing state blue, though we suspect the president might want to steer clear of some parts of town.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is still huffing and puffing over an offhand remark in which Obama appeared to link Sin City to corporate excess. Imagine that.

Remember back in February, The Ticket had a photo of the mayor meeting with nearly naked aides and reported the even newer president was all agitated over luxury bank excursions and he said: "You can't get corporate jets, you can't go take a trip to Las Vegas or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayer's dime."

Well, now that they have finished the $357,012 taxpayer-funded photo op over the Statue of Liberty, Air Force One is coming to the capital of neon with the somewhat-less-new president, who'll become the fundraiser in chief at least for a night.

Goodman recently said that, during Obama's trip, he's hoping "somebody places me close to him so I can get him to do the right thing and tell people that he recognizes Las Vegas as a great spot for serious meetings."

And last month, Republican Gov. Jim Gibbons requested a meeting with the president to talk about the state's ailing economy. Kind of. 

A separate press release indicated the beleaguered governor isn't exactly angling for a spot on the VIP list.

-- Ashley Powers

Put yourself on The Ticket's VIP list by clicking here to get automatic Twitter alerts of each new item. Or follow us   @latimestot

Photos, from top: Bally's Hotel; Associated Press

Comments

[chris nicol]

"No viable candidates"??? Gingrich/Palin 2012!!
"Newt and the Beaut"!!

[go_figure]

Why have I lost faith in our federal government? See the whole Air Force One photo op. I want a commander in chief to protect the constitution, not make slick Madison Avenue flyers (no pun intended) at taxpayer expense.
Ditto for the fundraiser. And before the Left Loons start hyperventilating, I mean that for all presidents.

True federalism desperately needs to make a comeback.

[John Galt]

Hope. Change. Can you feel it yet?

[senatorgoofy]

the prez needs a break...
running GM, a weekend comedian, these are all tough jobs...he needs some rest.

[Clyde]

How can any resident of Nevada, Dem or Republican vote for this little weasal of a man? This is one of the two best candidates that the state can send to the U.S. Senate? Yikes!

[Patrick]

Hippocratics thats what they are. Dont practice what they preach. Sick of listening to these dems.

[Theresa]

Democrats, republicans...they're all corrupt!

[Ken Law]

Obama's trip to raise money for this state's biggest joke is a gigantic example of HYPOCRICY. This man has no problem telling others how to spend their money and has no problem spending the taxpayers' money. Disgusting!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kelly]

Both the Democrats and Republicans have been sticking it to the masses for decades. I voted Libertarian across the board for the last 3 Presidential elections and will conitnue to do so until the rest of the masses wake up and join me. Stop voting for rich, 'never gave a damn about you' politicians from either of the popular parties. Both parties are completely bankrupt of morals or values. The highest bidder (campain contributor) wins. Stop wasting your votes on these corrupt buffoons.

[James]

Obama and the Democrats were yelling and screaming when the private sector held parties in Vegas. Ruin a company and you're banned from Vegas, ruin a country and you'll fit right in.

[Seni]

We now have a president who does nothing but party at the white house and fly around on his lexurious jet to wherever his heart desire. He reads what others write for him to read and say what they tell him to say. Does he ever stay in washington and do some real work as a president should? Why doesn't the media question his lack of leadership?

[June]

I read that John McCain was too old to be president. Harry Reid is 89. How long can he sit in washington and do nothing? He should retire now and try to enjoy his senior years.

[Phillip]

Oh sure, like the President of the United States can just pay for an American Airlines ticket and hop on board a business class shuttle to get to his party's fundraisers! You people are just looking for something to hang the guy on.

He is a far better example of a president than his predecessor! America couldn't survive another 4 years of Shrub! Get real!

[Nicole Barnes]

In Nevada, we do NOT want Harry Reid to continue to be Senator of our state. I highly support our president and would like to make the distinction that if you spend money on the big event this Tuesday, you are spending money directly on Harry Reid's campaign, so be VERY wary. Obama may be trying to help raise money for Reid, but KNOW who you are dealing with before putting money towards his campaign. Please don't support Reid if you have not educated yourself on his shady political practices. If you are a supporter of Obama, you may be like me who supports complete transparency in politicians. Harry Reid is quite the opposite. Please read my latest article on beatreid.com located at: http://www.beatreid.com/2009/05/party-with-obama-and-reid-in-vegas if you would like a starting place to understand my viewpoint, then research even further BEFORE buying a ticket to this event or putting any money into the Reid campaign.

[Linda]

Why am I not surprised? Obama has a reputation for wanting it both ways, and for saying one thing and doing the other. The only thing that's consistent about him is his hypocrisy.

Here's hoping he'll be voted out of office in 2012 and that he'll never be voted into another political position again. He's already done enough to damage this country.