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Sam Morris
Former state Sen. Bill Raggio, shown here during the 2010 special legislative session, died Thursday at age 85 after falling ill while on a trip in Australia with his wife, Dale.
Published Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011 | 10:59 a.m.
Updated Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011 | 11:23 a.m.
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More on Raggio's Resignation
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diggMore KSNV coverage of State Senator Bill Raggio's resignation, including a chat with Las Vegas Sun political reporter Anjeanette Damon.
Raggio Resigns
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KSNV's coverage of State Senator Bill Raggio's resignation, including a visit from Las Vegas Sun political columnist Jon Ralston.
Citing health concerns, Northern Nevada's iconic state Sen. Bill Raggio said today he will retire this month. The announcement comes just two months after he was ousted from the leadership position he had held for two decades.
“I had hoped to complete the remainder of my 10th elected term, but my physical mobility simply does not allow me to function fully, and therefore it is time for me to step aside for someone who can give the position a 100 percent effort," Raggio said in a prepared statement.
For several sessions, Raggio's retirement had long been rumored as his political might began to wane in the wake of his support for several tax increases. Shortly after the election, his caucus ousted him as leader, ostensibly because of his endorsement of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid against Republican Sharron Angle. He also stepped down from the powerful Finance Committee, but had been expected to maintain a powerful negotiating position on budget issues and has been a key figure in calling for a tax increase to save state services from further cuts.
Raggio has held elected office for more than half a century.
“I am extremely honored and privileged to have been allowed to serve in public office for more than 56 years. To the citizens of Washoe County, I extend my sincere gratitude for your support for so many years," he said.
In his first interview since the announcement, Raggio said he "never felt better."
He has been trying to recuperate from a severed Achilles tendon.
"I can't give it the full 100 percent," he said. "If I can't do that, it's time to step aside. About 38 years in the Senate, 18 or more in the district attorney's office -- it's been a long ride."
He said he'll "still be interested" in the 2011 Legislature, but said the party's rightward shift and his caucus' decision to replace him as leader were "not real factors in my decision."
His retirement, effective Jan. 15, will leave the seat open until the Washoe County Commission appoints a replacement.
He wouldn't share names of who he'd like to replace him, but said he wants someone "who shares my kind of values, who will work across party lines and isn't a radical."
He said he has not talked to Gov. Brian Sandoval yet, but has a call into him.
"This is going to be a very difficult session. It's going to be contentious," he said. "I’m still waiting to see the collegiality I think is necessary, the compromise necessary to get through these problems."
Raggio had talked to Sandoval about running for governor before the Republican decided to leave the federal bench. Sandoval landed a job at Jones Vargas, where Raggio is a partner, and had an office next to Raggio's.
But Raggio has called for compromise and working across party lines, while Sandoval has maintained that he will balance the budget without additional taxes or fees.
Raggio said, "I’m optimistic (Sandoval) can be a great governor if he will work with others and be flexible, we can solve the problems of state. If he will not work with others, and will be rigid, we’ll have impasses that won’t solve problems."
Good Riddance. This jerk committed political suicide, lost his power and knows it NOW. Too late, too bad, so sad, don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out.
I got to ask of the "No Tax Choir:" at what point, and under what circumstances, is it acceptable to raise taxes?
tarbox...
I doubt that Bill Raggio was worried about his "political future" when he came out for Harry...
He's been elected TEN times.
He voted his conscience. Good for him!
He's served long enough. Time to go home.
Good riddance to the RINO.
lvfacts101 - Bill Raggio is a Republican but he is first and foremost a Nevadan and that's why he couldn't support Angle. He has done more for this state than your little pea-sized brain can even begin to comprehend, You should be proud to count him amoungst your ranks.
Too bad he did not resign a long time ago.
One of the greatest Nevadan's EVER!
You haters have your moment... This man's given a lifetime of contributions to the betterment of this State, we get to potificate on a home computer via a newspaper site. His legacy will endure!
hate wins over hope
Looks like Raggio is taking his bawl and going home and now will now receive accolades from the fine folks that bashed him right up to the day he endorsed Sir Harry!
Isn't honesty a admirable virtue?
lvfacts:
[[Good riddance to the RINO.]]
++++++
Oh, absolutely -- let's have more extremely partisn hacks like Jim Gibbons and Sharron Angle deciding, or should I say blocking things, for Nevada. Screw working together for what is good for Nevadans, I say. Let the next election always be the goal. Purity tests for all elected officials.
Bill Raggio served this state long and well. I, at least, wish him the best.
Oh, jeez. Bill Raggio has forgotten more Nevada history and Nevada politics than the teabaggers will ever know. Hopefully, the Washoe Commission will find a suitable replacement... And Mike McGinniss won't be scared into submission by the tea-nut brigade.
tarblo and fink;
I suppose you would like it if Sharron Angle were given his seat? At least the man has served, what have you done?
I don't care at all that he supported Harry Reid over Angle, but I do care that he seemed to go out of his way to block any education funding or reform.
This guy isn't a saint, he's a friggin politician. Stop acting like he's someone we should admire. He did what's best for him, like every other politician out there. If you think he only cared about Nevada, just because he supported Harry Reid, then you're an easy target.
Nice picture! I thought I looked old, tired, and in need of a change. Raggio is the quintessential image of burned out!
improveLV,
well said. however you're wasting your breath with these liberal zombies who are trying to deify Raggio ONLY because he backed their boy Harry Reid.
Thank you for your service, Mr. Raggio.