Nevada political roundup: Clinton to campaign for Obama in Vegas (UPDATED)

By Lisa Mascaro

Monday, Aug. 4, 2008 | 4:19 p.m.

Updated at 4:17 p.m.

Sen. Hillary Clinton will campaign here Friday, Politico reports. Details to come.

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Originally posted at 11:32 a.m.

Greetings, Early Liners. Just a quick wrap-up today of the weekend’s news, as I’m on the road and Wi-Fi is a little spotty.

For much of the month, $4-a-gallon-gas has led our Monday morning wrap, and today is no different. Even though Congress is in recess, House Republicans called their members back to Washington to continue their revolt on the House floor. In case you missed it Friday, Republicans refused to adjourn, taking over the chamber for an afternoon of passionate speeches about lowering gas prices (without lights or mics, for a while). Republicans are convinced energy policy is their best shot at mending the party brand in time for the fall elections, as I wrote in today’s paper.

Rep. Jon Porter is making oil drilling a signature issue in his re-election campaign, even as his opponent, state Sen. Dina Titus, who now leads him in one poll, essentially agrees off-shore drilling must be part of the solution. Porter stayed behind Friday to join his colleagues in the revolt. Not sure if he’ll heed his leaders’ request to return to Washington for more.

In the Senate, meanwhile, the New York Times had this editorial about Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Congress’ efforts to draft energy policy:

“The most vivid symbol of the Senate’s ineptitude was the majority leader, Harry Reid, who tried to make the best of a terrible two weeks by asking his opposite number, Mitch McConnell, to join him in an 'energy summit' in Las Vegas. From one perspective, given the farce we have just witnessed, it makes sense to move the debate over energy policy as far from Washington as possible, even to an environment as distant from reality as Las Vegas. But Mr. Reid has to know how silly this looks and what it really says about the Senate’s capacity for action.”

Reid penned a guest “Where I Stand” column in Sunday’s Sun articulating his position that renewable energy “can bring down $4-a-gallon gas, save pristine Nevada landscapes and ensure our safety for generations to come.”

-- The CNN news loop at the airport Sunday played and re-played a not-very-flattering story on Sen. John Ensign’s fundraising tactics as head of the committee trying to elect Republicans to the Senate. Seems the committee sent potential donors a survey in the mail -- but suggested it should be returned with a donation. For those who declined, the committee kindly asked that they return the form -- plus $11 for handling fees. A Republican interviewed on CNN was not pleased.

-- Lastly, I realize it’s Monday, but does anyone know if bartenders in Las Vegas might be mixing up McCains or the Obamas? Cocktails inspired by the candidates are fueling D.C., Politico reported last week.

Any chance Las Vegas bars would stir up a Porter or Titus?

Other notable stories:

-- Check out Sun reporter Alexandra Berzon’s story today on union organizing in the construction industry.

-- The R-J reports a local National Guard unit is headed to Afghanistan.

That’s it for now. Check back later.