Berkley files for re-election

The world of politics is jammed with pundits whose Web sites and newsletters fill the atmosphere with all manner of facts and speculation about life behind-the-scenes in Washington. There’s so much race handicapping going on I’m surprised the FBI doesn’t convene a gambling task force to investigate.

But I’ll wager not even the most cynical political expert has the audacity to make Congresswoman Shelley Berkley of Nevada’s First Congressional District anything but a prohibitive favorite to win re-election. Berkley on Monday filed to seek her seventh term in Congress.

She said in prepared text, “I love Las Vegas and it's an honor for me to be able to fight in Congress for the families and businesses of our community. Today I am asking for the privilege of continuing to serve as your Congresswoman.

“Together we face difficult challenges and I remain focused on creating jobs, strengthening our economy, expanding health care coverage and helping families facing foreclosure. My decades of experience, seniority in the House and knowledge of key Nevada issues give me the right combination to get the job done and to stand-up to those who would try to keep us from getting our fair share in Congress. Expanding solar power use will create good jobs in Nevada and savings for consumers, while also providing increased energy independence.”

Congressional District 1 covers the heat of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas and has voter registration that heavily favors Democrats.