Friday, August 27, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
JOHN L. SMITH: Kerry's TV ad makes him clear-cut winner of Yucca Mountain argument
It's time for the GOP to change the subject. I think the Republicans have lost the Yucca Mountain argument.
It's unofficial, of course, but a blistering television advertisement leaves no doubt about Sen. John Kerry's position against the proposed nuclear waste facility. It's hard to imagine a comeback clever enough to offset the body blow on an issue that's still sensitive to many Nevada voters.
The 30-second spot, which began airing statewide this week, was introduced to reporters Wednesday by Sen. Harry Reid. The Nevada Democrat punctuated Kerry's on-air rhetoric -- "I will not let it happen" -- with some thumping jabs of his own.
"This is an issue that shouldn't be very confusing," Reid said. "One guy is with us, and one guy's against us."
Kerry's statement, however, that President Bush "promised to keep a nuclear waste dump out of Nevada and then went back on his word" was inaccurate, although Reid was in denial. Bush actually said he would base his decision on "sound science" and not politics, which at least proves the president has a sense of humor.
There are still plenty of places to hit Kerry, but short of finding a diary entry in which he admits prevaricating about the Yucca project, Republican image-makers would be wise to move on.
TREASURES INQUIRY: Ali and Hassan Davari risk losing their liquor license over dancer shenanigans at their Treasures topless cabaret, but word is they've commissioned a little investigation of their own that they're preparing to drop at an upcoming showdown before the City Council. I hear it's brutal.
Sounds like the Treasures boys are willing to take some competitors with them -- and that means tough questions ahead for the council.
DAN'S FINAL DEAL: Legendary casino host Dan Chandler is gone, but not before helping to land one last deal. Chandler, who suffered a fatal heart attack April 27, spent his last tour of duty in the casino business with Bill Wortman, who operates the J.W. Marriott and Cannery casinos.
When Wortman wanted to bring singer Glenn Frey to the Cannery for a concert, his people had no luck landing the reluctant original member of the Eagles. Then Frey's longtime pal Chandler took over.
The result is a rare Frey concert on Sept. 5 at the Cannery, and you know Dan the Bluegrass Man will be there in spirit.
QUOTABLE STUPAK: Leave it to gambling maverick Bob Stupak to put life in perspective. Although he finds himself mentioned in the Janet Moncrief campaign investigation, Stupak remains decidedly unruffled.
"How can I politely say it to you without offending you? Who gives a (expletive)?" he said. "Number one, I'm as clean as I can possibly be clean. I can still do a shenanigan from time to time. But I never cross the line."
NORM'S TIPS: Review-Journal gossip guru Norm Clarke's "1,000 Naked Truths" Las Vegas guidebook is jammed with juicy nuggets. His Celebrity Stiffs (Worst Tippers) will make you wonder whether some folks have never heard the phrase "You can't take it with you."
On the list: Bill Gates, Michael Jordan, Phil Mickelson, Scotty Pippen, Pete Rose, Britney Spears, Will Smith, Jerry Tarkanian, Bruce Willis and Tiger Woods.
He calls multibillionaire Gates "Mr. Microtips."
The book is published by Stephens Press, a subsidiary of the company that owns the Review-Journal.
STEIN'S SHIRTS: Steve Stein leaves no doubt about whom he's not backing for president. The veteran defense attorney and former federal prosecutor has ordered T-shirts printed with "ABB" on the front and back in red, white and blue lettering.
"Anybody But Bush," that is.
ON THE BOULEVARD: Gov. Kenny Guinn was proud to place the late Gov. Mike O'Callaghan's photograph on the state Web site as a memorial. Guinn says he sought the savvy O'Callaghan's counsel often and adds that he misses those conversations. ... It's been said you can indict a ham sandwich if you try long enough, but did it really take three grand jury presentments to indict City Councilwoman Janet Moncrief? And have Moncrief's accusers Steve Miller and Tony Dane really left themselves open to legal challenge by not obtaining immunity in the case?
Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? E-mail comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 383-0295.
