Former political foes to head up new U.S. think tank

Harry Reid and John Boehner, legendary US political foes from the two main US parties, will work together on a new project, heading up a think tank at UNLV in a partnership with MGM Resorts International, according to a report Wednesday in the Nevada Independent newspaper.

The MGM Resorts Public Policy Institute at UNLV will not only focus on gaming but also on broader issues such as tourism, jobs and international issues related to tourism, generating white papers and forum debates

In a joint statement this week, the two retired politicians commented:

“While our public opposition on issues may be more storied than our private friendship, we have successfully collaborated on complex problems and signature ideas and look forward to doing so again. As passionate and committed believers in the importance of public service, we are eager to work with MGM Resorts and UNLV to inspire a new generation to serve their country through public office.”

MGM executive Vice President and General Counsel John McManus said:

“As a company, we have been looking to take a broader leadership role in public policy. We don’t want to just sit back and let things happen. The real key to this is it is bipartisan and solution-based and produces observations that are actually useful to people.”

Reid and Boehner agreed to co-chair the think tank as part of non-exclusive consulting agreements both former leaders have with MGM. The think tank will be within the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs, and still awaits a stamp of approval from the Board of Regents.

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