Rawson decides to run for re-election

Wednesday, July 14, 1999 | 12:31 p.m.

Sen. Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas, said today he will seek re-election and has withdrawn his name for consideration as dean of the new dental school at UNLV that is expected to open in the fall of 2000.

Rawson, a practicing dentist and the leader in the move to create a dental school, had been mentioned last month as a possible candidate to head up the new $30 million school.

"I realized I can do the most good for the most people through my work in the State Senate to improve the health care of southern Nevadans," Rawson said in a prepared statement. "It was never my intention to raise concerns about who should lead the dental school program."

Rawson is currently employed as dental director of the University and Community College System of Nevada earning a little more than $140,000 a year.

"I have this position and I have tenure," Rawson said. "I would think the deanship would be full time. You can't do both jobs at the same time."

During the 1999 legislative session, Rawson helped ensure operational and capital funding for the new dental school.