Harry Reid: Time to Outlaw Prostitution in Nevada

Harry Reid is taking on a venerable institution in his state: legalized prostitution. Calling for "an adult conversation" on the issue, Reid told lawmakers today that he believed the practice, legal only in rural counties, deters businesses from moving to the state, reports the Las Vegas Sun. “Nevada needs to be known as the first place for innovation and investment—not as the last place where prostitution is still legal,” he said in a speech to the legislature.

"If we want to attract business to Nevada that puts people back to work, the time has come for us to outlaw prostitution," Reid said. Other lawmakers, however, questioned the focus on the issue, and the timing, given that Nevada is facing a budget deficit and massive unemployment. Brothel owner Dennis Hof arrived at the session with a ready-made soundbite: "Harry Reid will have to pry the cat house keys from my cold dead hands." (More Harry Reid stories.)