In this presidential year, Las Vegas is poised for a first -- and a last.
The first democratic presidential debate will take place at the Wynn Las Vegas hotel-casino on Tuesday October 13, about three weeks from now.
As it turns out, the last presidential debate will also be in Las Vegas, a little more than a year from now: October 19, 2016 at UNLV.
The Commission on Presidential Debates made the announcement Wednesday. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has authorized $4 million to cover expenses.
David Damore, a political science professor at UNLV, told KNPR's State of Nevada that the state and the city of Las Vegas are being recognized for more than just a place to go for a vacation.
"Nevada is becoming on the map not just sort of seen as a tourist destination but seen as a place where you can do business," Damore said.
He said Nevada is going through the same changes being seen around the country, just at a much more rapid pace.
Changes like more diversification and population growth.
"Nevada, I think, has a lot of interesting dynamics that I think you'll see across the country that are really happening here," Damore said.
Nevada is a swing state, plus there will be an important race for Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid's seat and at least two contests for the house will be interesting, according to Damore.
Those are all reasons our state will be in the spotlight this election season, he said.
David Damore, political science professor, UNLV
