Editorial: Musing on Bryan’s move to step down

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000 | 10:09 a.m.

The heart-stopping presidential race overshadowed other election results from Tuesday, including important contests in this state. Receiving the most attention in Nevada was the U.S. Senate race, which Republican John Ensign won easily over Democrat Ed Bernstein. Ensign's win was a huge victory for Republicans, who captured a U.S. Senate seat in Nevada for the first time in 12 years.

Democrat Richard Bryan's decision to step down created this opening, a move that also prompted a round of "what-ifs" in the wake of Tuesday's results, especially since the Senate could be split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans when all the votes are in. The popular Bryan was a shoo-in if he had run, which could have meant a Democratic majority in the Senate instead of a likely deadlock. Bryan, who has had a long and distinguished record of public service -- he's been a U.S. senator, governor and attorney general -- hardly can be faulted for wanting to spend more time with his family. And he did give his party almost two years' notice to find a strong candidate. Still ...

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