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"It would surprise me if a public official would go on record and blatantly lie that way about something of this magnitude. "

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Well, it wouldn't surprise me. I think they have to weigh the risks and benefits -- would it really help any, if they admitted they have specific info. Just as I am sure they have a lot of specific info about other cities and attacks, which they are not releasing, and claim they only have general info, so as not to panic people on one hand and not to give away to the terrorists what they know, on the other hand.

Or maybe there is no "specific" info -- but then, how do you define specific.

Here is more, where they are indeed categorically denying knowing anything specific -- but it also give you the idea how acutely conscious they are of their tourist industry.

Las Vegas Holiday Threat Update

http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1577316&nav=168XJrC7

(Dec. 24) -- Homeland security officials are concerned about Las Vegas as a potential terrorist target. And because tourism is such a big part of our city's livelihood -- how are authorities preparing for a possible disaster?

Law enforcement agencies continue to gather information so if a threat to the Valley is uncovered, they can act. Las Vegas relies on the 36-million visitors a year that pass through our hotels and casinos. If you look around on The Strip this Christmas Eve, you will still see a lot of tourists. Tourism experts say that an attack here could devastate this economy.

All of the precautions are enough for Nevada Democratic Congresswoman Shelley Berkley. She says Secretary Ridge made a poor choice using Las Vegas as an example of cities that could be targets for terrorism. "If there was any specific mention of Las Vegas, we would know about it and I would not be standing here giving you false information." Representative Berkley is concerned because just the mention of Las Vegas in that context could affect the tourism industry.