Bernstein brings in $50,000 for Senate bid

Democrat Ed Bernstein raised nearly $50,000 Tuesday night for his campaign against John Ensign for Nevada's soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat.

Bernstein was joined by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and retiring Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., at a fund-raiser at Piero's restaurant Tuesday night where all three spoke of the need to continue the good working relationship between the state's delegates.

"Ed Bernstein will support and augment Senator Reid's efforts in Washington, not cancel them out," Bryan said. "Ed will continue the partnership that has existed between Nevada's delegation."

Bernstein, an attorney, addressed the crowd of about 100 supporters Tuesday, saying he promised to fight for them on issues such as health care, the environment and keeping nuclear waste out of Nevada.

"This state has had a history of Democrats who were fighters," Bernstein said. "I want to put health care back in the hands of the doctors and out of the hands of bean counters and HMOs. I want to keep nuclear waste out of Nevada.

"It will take a fighter to do that, and I've been fighting for people for 24 years."

Reid said he thinks Bernstein has a good chance to beat Ensign, a former Republican congressman, in the November election.

"People said that Ed didn't understand politics, but he is going to bring the same things he has brought to one of the most successful law practices in the history of Nevada to the Senate," Reid said. "He has gotten to where he is today by marketing himself and his product.

"This campaign will be a close race, but Ed Bernstein is going to surprise everyone."

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