How Did Harry Reid Pull It Off?

Harry Reid won because:

A) Casino bosses DESPERATELY need him in his position of power (U.S. Senate majority leader) so much so that even many Republican casino CEOs in Las Vegas appeared in TV ads for him.

B) Teachers unions reportedly offered $25 Starbucks gift cards to every teacher in the state and literally gave every teacher Friday, Monday a Tuesday off for once a year "teachers conferences" so every teacher could vote Democrat to make sure they all keep their jobs, and pensions, and also get future raises in a depression.

C) It's reported that Hispanic workers were bused to polls by Democrats and unions to vote for Reid. Seems amazing that Reid was down by 4 in every poll but won by 5. That's a 9 point swing. Nevada Republican Congressional candidate Dr. Joe Heck was up by 10 points in polls. He won by less than 1 percent (in upset over Democratic Congresswoman Dina Titus) — a swing of 9 points too (even though the Republican hung on).

But interestingly the Hispanic GOP candidate for governor, Brian Sandoval, won by double digits over Harry Reid's own son. Hispanics voted a straight Democrat ticket except for the Hispanic Republican candidate for governor.

Hispanics were obviously the key to the election.


Now to a little truthful criticism and self-analysis of a tea party defeat: Republicans blew it.

Angle did not run a good campaign.

She avoided the press and it's time for conservatives to court the media, not demonize it, or run from it. There is no choice — learn to live with the media, because you can't live without it.

The Nevada GOP is non-existent, disorganized, and in decline. It provides no help to GOP candidates.

Angle did not have a strong "get out the vote" organization on the ground.

The Angle team (and the Nevada GOP) did not understand the importance of getting out the vote. It's more important than any visible aspect of a campaign.

They did not understand how to attract Hispanic votes. And they had better learn fast if they want to win any future elections. Hispanics should be part of the conservative movement. Conservatives must learn how to communicate with and win over Hispanic voters or risk becoming obsolete.



Wayne Allyn Root is the author of the new paperback, "The Conscience of a Libertarian: Empowering the Citizen Revolution with God, Guns, Gold, and Tax Cuts.” He is a Las Vegas oddsmaker turned Vice Presidential nominee.  His website is: ROOTforAmerica.com.