Gore backs Reid’s efforts against dump

Friday, March 20, 1998 | 10:06 a.m.

Sens. Harry Reid and Richard Bryan, both D-Nev., were unable to attend a fund-raiser for the Nevada Democratic Party at which Vice President Al Gore was the guest of honor Thursday night.

The two had to be in Washington, D.C., for a vote on education while the vice president waved the Democratic flag and raised $1 million for the party.

However, they maintained a presence at the event via videotape.

After spending a hectic day at a wide range of functions hosted by unions, Gore spoke at two fund-raising events.

Gore spoke Thursday night to 1,000 Democrats at a $25-per person fund-raiser, at which potato chips and pretzels were the two main courses, before moving on to a more pricey gathering of about 70 people and raising the rest of the million.

He flew out on Air Force II at about 9:40 p.m. after spending almost 12 hours in Las Vegas courting union support for his anticipated presidential race in the year 2000.

Several Democratic candidates for various offices shared the stage with Gore, including state Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas, running for governor, and Board of Regents member Shelley Berkley, running for Congress.

Gore, giving a rousing speech that was in contrast to his reputation of being bland and low key, reminded his audience that he and Reid have been friends for many years.

"I'm a veteran of Harry's army," said the former Tennessee senator.

Gore urged the Democrats to get out and work for Reid, who is running for re-election this year.

"He's doing a fantastic job," said Gore. "He is one of the hardest working individuals in the Senate."

One of the loudest responses from those at the fund-raiser was when Gore said he and Reid would not let Nevada become a dumping ground for nuclear waste and that they were going to "save Lake Tahoe."

"Harry Reid has value, experience and determination to get the job done," said Gore, also taking the opportunity to urge support for Berkley.

Before joining the fund-raising events, Gore spoke to a group of about 20 clergymen from a variety of faiths who last July chartered an organization called the Las Vegas Interfaith Council for Worker Justice.

The Rev. William Kenney, a priest at Christ the King Catholic Community church, said Gore heard about the organization and requested a meeting.

"He was surprised, and impressed, that there was a council for justice in Las Vegas," said Kenney, who was one of those leading a rally Thursday night in front of the New York-New York hotel-casino. The rally was to show support for pro-union employees of the non-union Ark Restaurant Co., which is an independent contractor running the food operations in the gaming facility.

Kenney said he and other ministers get calls for help from Ark employees, a number of whom make so little money they qualify for certain welfare programs such as food stamps.

The rally organized the candlelight vigil, which took place at the same time Gore was speaking at the first Democratic fund-raising event.

Rev. Francis Spencer, pastor of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, noted that the council works closely with union members, but does not support any particular union nor does it support any particular political party or endorse politicians.

"We are neutral," said Spencer.

"We want to be free of politics," said Kenney.

Spencer said that during Gore's private conversation with the council members he "said he supported us and asked how he could help."

Kenney said what Gore wanted to do was help raise issues.

"That is what the council does, raise issues," said Kenney. "If we raise the issues, people will do something."