Bryan likes first appointments

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2000 | 10:19 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The initial appointments of President-elect George W. Bush "look pretty good," retiring Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., said Tuesday in what he described as his last speech as a public official.

"Colin Powell is an excellent choice, and there is no question about the talent of Condoleezza Rice, but I don't know a lot about her personal views," Bryan told newsmen after speaking to the local Rotary Club.

Powell was selected as secretary of state and Rice as national security adviser to Bush.

"I think both of those nominations will resound well with the public," said Bryan, who leaves office Jan. 2 after a 36-year career in public life, including two terms as Nevada governor.

Bryan, who chose not to seek a third term in the Senate, decried the "strident" partisanship that has developed in Congress.

"Compromise to some has become a nasty word." Congress, he said, "has become a diminished institution."

"We really don't know each other," Bryan said of his Senate colleagues.

Because of the constant demands of raising political money, a good many are on the road. He said he saw his colleagues only in committee or on the floor. That, he said, didn't help form bonds that lead to compromise on legislation.

Under the 50-50 split in the Senate, Bryan said, the Democrats have a right to equal representation on the committees and equal staff and budget, plus a voice in the appointment of Senate officers such as the sergeant-at-arms.

"I do not think the Democrats are likely to insist on a co-chairmanship. I don't know that. I don't think that's likely."

Two and maybe three of the Republican committee chairmen have indicated their willingness to have a shared arrangement, Bryan said. Those details have yet to be worked out.

"We face an unusual situation and it's fascinating. For the first 17 days of the 107th Congress, the Democrats would be able to fashion a working majority with the tie-breaking vote of Al Gore. That changes on the 21st, when the tie-breaking vote will be cast by Dick Cheney."

Congress is sworn in during the first week in January, and Bush and Cheney do not take office until Jan. 20.

Bryan said he never sees himself running for public office again.

"This is our last hurrah. I loved it. I will miss it. It will always be an important part of my life."

Bryan said he agrees with Thomas Jefferson, who suggested there is a time to leave and let others assume positions of public responsibility.

He said he intends to return to his home in Las Vegas, hook up with a law firm and do some teaching. He said he has not been involved in "detailed discussions" with law firms because ethics rules prohibit it.

"Several firms have talked to me," Bryan said. "I've had general conversations with a number in Washington that are considering opening a Nevada office. Some (also) here in Nevada, but nothing specific."

He said he wants a law firm that is statewide because his son Richard Jr. and daughter Leslie live in Reno. His other daughter, Blair, is a teacher in Memphis, Tenn.