Al Franken

The American Future Fund, a conservative-leaning advocacy group, has launched a hard-hitting radio advertisement targeting U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Searchlight) on the issue of gas prices.

The ad, first reported in several news outlets last week, takes Reid to task for his opposition to offshore drilling.

“Reid says no to energy exploration in Alaska and off our coasts. And no to the safe development of our massive oil shale reserves,” an announcer says in the 60-second spot. “But Reid says yes to higher energy taxes, that consumers will wind up paying. Call Harry Reid at 202-224-3542. Tell him to allow the Senate to vote on S. 3202 - and drill for oil right here - right now.”

The Bally's ballroom, site of the 2008 Clark County Democratic ConvetionLas Vegas- “Clown shoes” was how one delegate to the Clark County Democratic Convention described the scene Saturday, echoing the thoughts and words of many in the packed-beyond-overflow ballroom of Bally’s Hotel and Casino.

Trouble started before the convention even began as thousands of people waited in line for hours to be granted entrance to the ballroom.  The capacity of the room was only 5,000, according to a Bally’s spokesperson, but more than 7,400 delegates had been elected from the precinct caucuses last month, not counting alternates.  A fire marshal threatened to shut the event down only minutes after it officially began and when the doors were shut to all comers, hundreds of people still remained outside.

Al Franken, candidate for U.S. Senate in Minnesota, addresses the Clark County Democratic Convention.

Al Franken, candidate for U.S. Senate in Minnesota, addresses the Clark County Democratic Convention.