Gaming companies that do business in Las Vegas are among the top contributors to Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada), the new Democratic leader in the Senate, The Washington Post reports.

In the last election, three of Reid's top 10 donors were casinos and their employees. He received $568,500 from Mandalay Resort Group, MGM Mirage and Park Place Entertainment, now known as Caesars Entertainment.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Reid was the top Senate recipient of casino money in the last election. From 2000 through 2002, his Searchlight Committee received more than $825,000 from gambling interests.

Reid used to sit on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, where he kept a close eye on legislation that could affect Nevada's gaming industry. He stepped down from the panel after being chosen as the Senate minority leader.

Get the Story:
Balancing Nevada, National Interests (The Washington Post 2/1)
pwpwd

Related Stories:
Congress sees more changes under Republican control (12/14)
Reid's Supreme Court comments stir debate (12/07)
Sen. Reid calls Justice Thomas 'an embarrassment' (12/06)
Reid to succeed Daschle as Senate minority leader (11/16)
Harry Reid eyes Democratic leadership position (11/04)
Western Shoshone payout bill clears Congress (06/25)
IGRA amendments mired in debate over revenues (04/13)