Lawmakers take issue with Obama's Las Vegas remark

WASHINGTON – Nevada lawmakers are taking umbrage at President Barack Obama's reference to Las Vegas when explaining how the country needs to make some tough choices on spending.

The Nevada economy has been among the hardest hit over the past two years, and officials are sensitive to remarks that could discourage spending there.

In remarks at a town hall event Tuesday, Obama said that when times are tough, people tighten their belts and don't blow a bunch of cash in Las Vegas when trying to save up for college.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, says Obama needs to lay off Las Vegas and, as he put it, "stop making it the poster child for where people shouldn't be spending their money."