Opinion: Nevada’s Harry Reid secures some GOP backing for reelection -- a user’s guide

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One of the tricks of politics is reading between the lines. So, ever helpful, the Ticket will now help you do just that.

Here’s a news release put out this week by the campaign of Sen. Harry Reid, who is seeking reelection in Nevada. Our handy explainers appear in bold and, appropriately, between the lines.

LAS VEGAS [6/03/09] -- Even though the election won’t be held until a year and a half from now, nearly 60 prominent Nevadans have joined forces to create ‘Republicans for Reid.’

[The GOP has yet to draft a credible opponent to take on the Senate majority leader. Think of this release as a warning from Harry to those mulling a challenge. ]

The group’s co-chairs are longtime Republican operative and George H.W. Bush advisor Sig Rogich, and Sparks Mayor Geno Martini.

[Rogich = Nevada kingmaker. Harry’s hoping Republican Rep. Dean Heller ponders that. State Sen. Mark Amodei (R-Carson City) too.]

‘I think that at this time in Nevada, a time when our state is faced with perhaps its greatest economic challenge, we are fortunate to have Harry Reid as our senior Senator. As a lifelong Republican and one who worked closely with former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, I am proud to set partisanship aside and do what is vital for our state during these extraordinarily difficult times,’ said Sig Rogich.

[Others are also eschewing party labels for Reid: Notably, Dawn Gibbons, a former state assemblywoman and estranged wife of Gov. Jim Gibbons, whom Rogich helped win office.]

‘From preserving Lake Tahoe to fighting to protect our gaming and tourist industry from those who would want a greater Federal role in our largest industry, Harry Reid has been tireless. The Senate Majority Leader has never forgotten his roots and has worked tirelessly to fight for Nevada’s future,’ Rogich continued.

[Reid has also been tireless when it comes to raising money. He added to his hefty war chest last week, with the help of President Obama and an intimate gathering of 4,000.]

‘I am happy that so many of Nevada’s prominent Republican leaders have already signed onto this campaign,’ said Reid. ‘These leaders know that I continually work across party lines to help Nevada’s families. I greatly appreciate their support and look forward to working with them as this campaign begins.’

[Other Nevadans who Harry hopes might read this: John Chachas (R-banker) and Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki (R-indicted).

Republicans for Reid is a group of prominent Republicans who have publicly endorsed Sen. Reid. Sen. Reid and his campaign will continue to reach out to Republicans all across Nevada to join Republicans for Reid. Today’s launch marks the beginning of what will be a growing effort throughout the campaign. The current list of Republicans for Reid is below in alphabetical order.

[If you’re into lists, continue reading below for a who’s who of gaming execs and Nevada political players. But be warned: It’s just a list. ]

-- Ashley Powers

But first, Republican or Democrat, click here for Twitter alerts on each new Ticket item. Or follow us @latimestot

David Aiazzi, Reno City Councilman

Tony Alamo, Jr. Nevada Gaming Commission

Tony Alamo, Sr. Retired, Hispanic Activist

Alfredo Alonso Lewis and Roca, Principal

Maggie Arias-Petrel, Latin Chamber of Commerce, Director

Chris Ault, UNR Football Coach

Jason Awad, Awad and Associates, Attorney

Anna Bailey, Civil Rights Leader

Robert Bailey, Civil Rights Leader

John Bailey, Nevada State Athletic Commissioner

Kimberly Bailey-Tureaud, Editor of Las Vegas Black Image

Tom Breitling, Wynn Resorts, Senior Vice President

Mark Brown, Mark Brown Communications, President

Richard Bunker, Former President of the Nevada Resort Association

Jerry Bussell, Former Homeland Security Advisor to the State of Nevada

Nat Carasali, Peppermill Hotel Casino, Co-Owner

Bob Cashell, Mayor of Reno

Raj Chanderraj, Physician

Peter Christiansen, Attorney

Janet Chubb, Attorney

Joe Cortez, Boxing Referee

Jim Denton, Jim Denton Associates, GOP Consultant

Roberto Denis, NV Energy, Senior V.P. for Energy Delivery

Lorenzo Fertitta, Station Casinos, Co-Founder and Principal Shareholder

Frank Fertitta, III Station Casinos, CEO and Chairman of the Board

Cliff Findlay, Findlay Automotive Group, President

Dawn Gibbons, First Lady of Nevada

Joe Gill, Nevada Rangers, President

Josh Griffin, Former State Assemblyman

Peter Guzman, Real Estate Developer

Lonnie Hammargren, Former Lt. Governor

Kirk Harrison, Attorney

Susan Holecheck, Mayor of Mesquite

Mark James,Former Clark County Commissioner

Larry Johnson, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, Board of Directors

David Kallas, Las Vegas Police Protective Association, Political Director

Tony Marnell, M Resort, CEO and Chairman

Geno Martini, Mayor of Sparks

Mike Mayberry, Former Henderson Chief of Police

Robin Mercer, Republican consultant and Former Fundraiser for Gov. Gibbons

Otto Merida, Latin Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO

James Murren, MGM Mirage, CEO and Chairman Wayne Newton Entertainer

Bill Paganetti, Peppermill Hotel Casino, Co-Owner

Tim Poster, Wynn Resorts, Senior V.P.

Rachakonda Prabhu, Physician

Sig Rogich, Rogich Communications Group, President

Pat Shalmy, Former President NV Energy

BJ Sullivan, Clark and Sullivan Construction

Steve Teschera, Lake Tahoe Advisory Committee, Chair

Marv Teixeira, Former Mayor of Carson City

Peter Thomas, Thomas and Mack Co., Managing Partner

Brett Torino, Torino Construction, Owner

Charles Tureaud, CDA Media Relations, LLC

Rusty Tybo, Mayor of Wells

Marlan Walker, Henderson community leader