Nevada's clout in the U.S. Senate increased Tuesday with the re-election of Democrat Harry Reid as majority leader and Republican John Ensign's selection as head of the GOP Policy Committee.
That makes Ensign the No. 4 Republican in the Senate and the highest-ranking Republican senator in Nevada history.
Reid's position has strengthened the state's ability to block Yucca Mountain and he has brought millions of dollars to the state in military and transportation projects.
"I look forward to again leading my colleagues into the next session with a promise of unity and bipartisanship to deliver the results that we as a country need," said Reid following his re-election.
Ensign said his new chairmanship gives Nevada an even stronger voice in the Senate.
"As a more senior member of leadership, I'll have an influential voice at the negotiating table and be able to ensure that the interests of Nevadans are heard at the earliest stages of the legislative process," he said.
- Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.