Nevada's elected officials to play key role in Presidential campaign ahead of debates, caucases

“As an elected leader in Nevada, you understand that casino gaming is the lifeblood of the state’s economy,” wrote Freeman and Valentine. “And as you engage with presidential campaigns and candidates, officially or otherwise, we urge you to impress upon them the importance of supporting gaming.”
 
Casino gaming contributes $53 billion to the Nevada’s economy, supports 425,000 jobs and generates nearly $8 billion in tax revenue. Direct gaming taxes make up 47 percent of the state’s general fund revenue. 
 
“Some candidates require more education than others, and you can play a tremendous role in this education process. No matter which candidate you prefer in the upcoming caucuses, each of them will boost their chances of winning the Silver State by taking a stand in support of gaming,” wrote Freeman and Valentine.“Your counsel will play an important role in shaping candidates’ strategies and positions. We encourage you to take advantage of this chance to show your candidate the ins-and-outs of our dynamic industry and introduce them to the thousands of gaming employees who are also voters.”
 
They also warned of repercussions that can result from seemingly innocuous statements about Las Vegas.
 
“As you know, decisions and comments from federal officials can negatively affect gaming – as well as Las Vegas overall and the hardworking Nevadans we employ. For example, in a speech shortly after he took office, President Obama discouraged business travel to Las Vegas and other destinations—and his comments cost the industry hundreds of millions of dollars in the midst of the Great Recession,” wrote Freeman and Valentine. “It’s our responsibility to get ahead of potentially harmful comments and policy proposals by ensuring elected leaders fully understand our business. At the end of the day, everyone in Nevada will benefit from a proactive approach.” 
 
Las Vegas will host the first Democratic debate of the 2016 cycle in October, while Nevada will host the GOP field for a debate in December. Both precede the February caucuses in Nevada, the third state to weigh in on the candidates and the first in the West.
 
The letter is part of the first-ever initiative by the gaming industry, called “Gaming Votes,” to educate candidates about the industry and inform employees about candidates.