I have had the great honor of serving the people of Nevada as an elected official for more than 40 years now. Although it has been a rewarding career, there have of course been moments of disappointment. However, I have never been disillusioned as I am now. The culture of corruption in Washington right now is poisoning our government.

In 1977, I was appointed chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission. It was a difficult time for the gaming industry and Las Vegas, which were being overrun by organized crime. During the next few years, there would be threats on my life, FBI stings and even a car bomb placed in my family's station wagon.

What is happening today in Washington is every bit as corrupt as when Las Vegas was run by the mob, but the consequences for our country are worse. The Republican leadership in Washington has created a shakedown machine that would make the mafia blush.

Republicans currently control the White House, Senate, and House. From the Republican 'K Street project,' which presses lobbyists for favors, to the $8 trillion debt caused by budget busting tax cuts for special interests and wealth elite, there are clear signs of corruption.

But we cleaned up Las Vegas, and we will clean up Washington DC.

There's a price to pay for corruption in Washington, and we can see it in the state of our union. From Nevada seniors who cannot afford their prescription drugs, to soldiers sent to war without body armor and middle-class families who scramble to pay higher gas and power prices, the cost of corruption is very real.

My Democrat colleagues and I have declared our commitment to an open and honest government. We have a comprehensive reform plan that will clean up and protect the government. The Honest Leadership, Open Government Act will reinvigorate Congressional ethics rules and institute broad-based lobbying reforms to ensure that the representatives of the people are operating in the people's interest, not the special interests.

A key proposal in the Act, known as "The Jack Abramoff Rule," will ban staff and members from receiving gifts, meals and travel from lobbyists. I believe in tough, independent enforcement. This is not just about talking the talk; we are going to walk the walk. That's why I told my staff that even though this bill is not yet law our office will follow its provisions.

Reform is more than just a word. It is a commitment to change the culture of corruption in Washington D.C., and ultimately protect the people of Nevada. I am going to lead by example.

I have made a pledge to hardworking Nevadans to restore honest leadership and open government. I am committed to restoring democracy to our government, and to leading this country in a new direction.