Cegavske to run for state Senate

Thursday, March 14, 2002 | 9:46 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Assemblywoman Barbara Cegavske, R-Las Vegas, says she had always planned to run for the state Senate whenever incumbent Mark James would down.

James announced Tuesday he would not seek another term, and Cegavske said on Wednesday that she will enter the race.

She said both Gov. Kenny Guinn and Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, are "very supportive" of her candidacy.

"Barbara is a trustworthy, hard-working and passionate legislator, and I think she'd make a fine senator," Guinn said in a press release about Cegavske's announcement.

Raggio said in the announcement, "I can think of no one more capable to assume this Senate seat than Barbara Cegavske, who I consider a great friend and dedicated public servant."

Cegavske, 50, who has served three terms in the Assembly, will face fellow Republican Tom Christensen in the GOP primary election.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, is searching for a Democratic candidate, saying the position now is an "open seat."

Cegavske raised $40,000 for her Assembly race and estimates she will need $300,000 for the Senate contest. But she said she has already received commitments and was confident she could reach her goal.

Saying James has left a "legacy of distinguished service," Cegavske said, "I'm honored to be given the chance to succeed him in the state Senate."

Some people had urged her to run to succeed Sen. Bill O'Donnell, R-Las Vegas, who also is bowing out, she said. But she would have had to move her home into O'Donnell's district and said that her husband Tim opposed a move.

She has lived in Las Vegas since 1976. During the 1999 and 2001 legislative sessions she served on the Education, Ways and Means and Transportation committees.