Maneuvers begin for next year’s elections

Tuesday, July 15, 1997 | 8:38 a.m.

Because 1998 is a year when the governor and the other constitutional offices are on the ballot, some are considering those positions. Assembly members are eyeing Senate seats, and some are looking farther afield -- even as far as Washington, D.C., if the conditions are right.

Although the 1997 Legislature is just over, political junkies and other legislators are speculating about which lawmakers will shoot for higher office.

Sen. Mark James, R-Las Vegas, was criticized by Sen. Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas, and other legislators for introducing legislation based on the news of the moment, such as the boxing bill he introduced after the Evander Holyfield-Mike Tyson fight.

The measure passed, and the law allows boxing officials to seize the entire purse of a boxer who commits mayhem in the ring, such as ear-biting.

James, who has been mentioned as a candidate for lieutenant governor or attorney general, said he will wait until 30 days after the Legislature's end to make a decision.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, and Assembly Speaker Joe Dini, D-Yerington, have been mainstays in the Legislature, and both are rumored to be considering whether they want another session.

Raggio, 70, has been in the Senate since 1973 and Dini, 68, has been in the Assembly since 1967.

The two Northern Nevadans have held sway over how the state's dollars are allocated, and Southern Nevadans are expected to do battle for their leadership positions when the pair depart.

Assembly Majority Leader Richard Perkins is considered heir apparent for Dini's job if Dini doesn't run again and the Democrats retain control of the Assembly.

The leadership positions are important because those who hold them decide who serves on what committees, play critical roles in negotiations and have great say on which bills live and die.

Raggio may step down after the 1998 elections, particularly if Democrats gain the majority. If Raggio resigns mid-term, the Washoe County Commission would appoint someone to his seat, and a battle would erupt over who leads the GOP.

Las Vegas Sen. Ray Rawson and Reno Sen. Randolph Townsend both are likely leaders, while some have said newcomer Sen. Jon Porter, R-Boulder City, might be a compromise choice.

Sen. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, a possible candidate for the County Commission -- the body she butted heads with during the session over her growth-containment bill -- wants to remain leader of the Democrats and hopes to obtain a majority in 1998.