Harry Reid Fights To Direct Bailout Money to Casinos

Harry Reid is begging the president to disregard a provision in the Porkulus Bill that hits close to home:

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Nevada Sen. Harry Reid has sent a letter to President Barack Obama asking for clarification to a provision that restricts casinos from using federal stimulus funds.

The Democratic majority leader says in a letter sent Friday that the provision is "overly broad" and is discouraging nonprofit groups from applying for stimulus money.

Reid argues that casinos are often the only suitable space for conferences and workshops held by community organizations. He also cites a women's group that often uses casino hotel rooms as transitional housing for victims of violence.

I will agree that making a general provision like that was an overreaction on the part of Congress, just as the new 90% bonus tax is. It came about after a bailout bank went through with plans for a company incentive meeting in Vegas.

However, the law is the law and if it's going to mean anything Harry Reid will just have to live with the results.