Senator lands spot on money committee

WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., on Tuesday won a seat on the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees tax policy that could affect Nevada's casino industry.

Ensign's position as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee might have helped him win the coveted seat over more senior Sens. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., and George Voinovich, R-Ohio.

"As I told John when I made this decision, we appreciate his efforts on behalf of the (Republican) conference," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said in a statement. "And it's important to recognize the efforts of people who do the heavy lifting around here on behalf of the whole team."

Ensign replaces Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., who died of leukemia last month.

Ensign issued a statement that said his appointment means the Nevada congressional delegation is probably as strong as it ever has been.

Democratic Sen. Richard Bryan, who retired in 2000, was the last Nevadan to serve on the Finance Committee.

With Ensign on the Senate Finance Committee, and Reps. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., and Jon Porter, R-Nev., on the House Ways and Means Committee, Nevada is well-positioned to cut off any effort to impose a federal tax on the gaming industry, Bryan said.

"This adds clout for a small delegation," Bryan said.

After being elected to the House in 1994, Ensign served on the Ways and Means Committee through 1998.