Tea Party Fear: GOP CEO Runs to Reid
By: 
MGM Resorts is the largest employer and the largest taxpayer in Nevada. CEO Jim Murren is a Republican who hopes to see the GOP take many Senate seats.
But not the one from Nevada.
Murren has thrown his support behind Democrat Harry Reid, because Murren believes Reid will protect the gaming industry.
"We're always a soft target," Murren told CNBC. He points out that the industry pays plenty in taxes, but many believe "we don't pay enough."
He says without the power that Reid's seniority brings, Las Vegas will get bullied.
Reid is facing a tough challenge from Republican candidate Sharron Angle, who's backed by the Tea Party movement.
Murren provides a specific example in this interview. He tells the story of CityCenter almost going under last year, nearly taking the entire company down with it.
Later today, we'll post more stories from Las Vegas.
Jim Murren will explain what rivals have done better, and how he hopes to change that. Union Gaming's Bill Lerner breaks down the numbers on Vegas' outlook.
Kevin Kelley of Station Casinos discusses how the company, still working through bankruptcy, is hiring again as it sees "stabilization" in the hard hit market of casinos catering to local residents.
And Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman talks about diversifying into "medical tourism", and whether he's still angry with the President.
