By Jon Ralston

Wed, May 21, 2008 (2 a.m.)

The best-laid plans of those trying to thread a needle often

go awry. So MGM Mirage discovered Tuesday when it put out a statement in response to the deal made by other gaming companies with the Nevada State Education Association on that proposed tax initiative. The company, whose chief executive, Terry Lanni, does not like the union, tried to sound helpful and committed without signing on to the deal. Message: They care. But several insiders noticed that when referring to the trio of state leaders, the statement mentioned “the Assembly Speaker, the Senate President and the Governor.” Senate president? That’s Brian Krolicki. Of course they meant Bill Raggio, the majority leader. But for a moment, Krolicki was somebody!