Raggio files for eighth term in state Senate

Thursday, May 4, 2000 | 3:46 a.m.

Raggio, 73, who filed Wednesday, is unlikely to face any serious opposition to his effort to win an eighth four-year term in the Senate.

Republicans have a 12-9 edge in the Senate, and while Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, wants to change that, Raggio said it's unlikely.

"I'm very optimistic about holding onto the majority," Raggio said. "I don't expect any changes."

Raggio's seat is one of five Republican Senate seats up this time around. The others are held by Ray Rawson and Ann O'Connell, both of Las Vegas, Mike McGinness of Fallon and Dean Rhoads of Tuscarora.

Democrats also have five seats up, including those held by Titus, Valerie Wiener and Michael Schneider, all of Las Vegas, and Joe Neal and Ray Shaffer both of North Las Vegas.

Raggio said his health is fine after a bout with skin cancer, and he's looking forward to continuing his push for public education reform.

Gov. Kenny Guinn's forum to discuss future state programs, tax revenues and funding needs also could set an important agenda for lawmakers in 2001, he said.

Finally, there is reapportionment, the redrawing of political boundaries following the 2000 census. The data will become available in April 2001 and will be used to redraw legislative districts so populations are approximately equal.

While Raggio wants to hold onto the majority, Titus said she is working to take control of the Senate for the first time since 1991.

Two Republicans, McGinness and Rawson, have been targeted by Democrats for this election, she said.

McGinness will face Ed Beaman, a Pahrump firefighter with strong labor support, and Rawson will face Terrie Stanfill, a community activist who has lived in the district for years.

Raggio also said a special session of the Legislature may be necessary to deal with the redistricting issue, a position Titus vehemently opposes.