Dini’s continued Assembly service hangs on health

Tuesday, May 14, 2002 | 9:13 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Assemblyman Joe Dini, D-Yerington, who has served longer in the lower legislative house than any other member, is unsure whether he will seek another term.

"It's 50-50," said Dini, 73, who has served 36 years in the Assembly and has been speaker a record eight times.

"It's mostly health," he said, adding he has suffered a number of ailments since the 2001 Legislature, including a pinched nerve and the flu. He said he has been undergoing physical therapy and has started to feel better.

"Before, it was automatic," he said of the decision to seek another term. Now, he said, "I'm tired. Thirty-six years is a long time."

Dini has received campaign contributions but hasn't cashed any of the checks, he said.

He said he would make a decision after meeting with with his doctor today.

Dini served continuously as speaker from 1987 until 1999, a period that included one special session. In 1995 he was co-speaker with Assemblyman Lynn Hettrick, R-Minden, when there was a 21-21 split of Democrats and Republicans in the Assembly.

Dini was replaced as speaker in 2001 by Assemblyman Richard Perkins, D-Henderson. Dini was chairman of the Assembly Commerce Committee during the past session.

Dini's reapportioned District 38 includes Lyon and Storey counties and parts of Churchill County and Carson City. Republicans outnumber Democrats in the district 12,611 to 8,339, as of March 30 registration figures. Dini's former district also had a Republican majority, but he won every election since 1966.

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