Harry Reid wants to ban brothels in Nevada

(CBS/KLAS/AP) LAS VEGAS - U.S. Senator Harry Reid is attacking the world's oldest profession saying it's time for Nevada to be known as the first place for innovation and investment and not as the last place in the U.S. where prostitution is legal.

PICTURES: Craigslist Prostitute-Turned-NYC Teacher

According to CBS affiliate KLAS, the Democratic Senate majority leader addressed a joint session of the Nevada Senate and Assembly Tuesday in Carson City.

In a prepared speech, Reid told lawmakers, "We should do everything we can to make sure the world holds Nevada in the same high regard you and I do. If we want to attract business to Nevada that puts people back to work, the time has come for us to outlaw prostitution.

"I frankly don't understand why the good senator is concerning himself with this issue when there are huge problems to be solved in Washington, D.C.," said Richard Osborn, the county manager for Nye County.

He says the taxes raised by legal brothels help other programs. Last year, more than $150,000 was paid and that money was used to for veterans care and ambulance service in Nye County.

KLAS reports that Reid talked about how he had recently met with a businessman considering opening a big business in Storey County but was dismayed to learn the county had legalized prostitution. Reid says the key to Nevada's economic growth is to attract more businesses to the state.

Lance Gilman who owns the Mustang Ranch and Wild Horse Resort sent out a news release in which he said it is illegal prostitution that includes underage girls and "repulsive" pimps that tarnishs the image of Nevada not legally operated establishments.

"As we understand it, the legislative agenda is busy addressing a multi-billion dollar shortfall. The legal brothel industry helps support the small rural counties where they are located, and thus this action seems unwise," Gilman said, referring to the banning of brothels.