Titus remains Democratic leader

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002 | 11:02 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Despite some grumbling by Las Vegas senators, Sen. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, was chosen again to lead the Senate Democrats into the 2003 Legislature.

Titus said "nobody said a word" at the caucus meeting Wednesday night and no vote was taken to dump her.

Sen. Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas, had said earlier Wednesday that new leadership was needed since the Democrats didn't make any gains in the election and still are in the minority with a 12-9 deficit.

But Schneider said he had an hourlong meeting with Titus before the caucus and she promised to change her style of leadership. He said she will be more open, allowing other members to help with the decision-making process in such areas as recruiting new candidates for election.

Titus said the Democrats would "try to work more as a team."

Both Titus and Schneider said Republican Gov. Kenny Guinn may have a tough time with his upcoming tax plan. They both said Guinn gave money to GOP legislative candidates who ran on a platform of no new taxes.

"The Democrats are not going to get out in front on new taxes until Guinn delivers his troops," Titus said.

Schneider said the "governor was the big loser in the election on getting his budget."

"He's going to have to work real hard" to get the new taxes because of the vows by some of the Republicans.

Going into the caucus, Schneider and Sen. Ray Shaffer, D-North Las Vegas, have complained about Titus' leadership. Schneider said some of Titus' positions may have been out of touch with the voters of Nevada.

But Titus said Schneider and Shaffer never made a move to unseat her.

Schneider and Shaffer suggested they might have Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas in their corner, but Titus said Neal was very cordial at the meeting.

"Joe was very positive," she said.

Shaffer said before the session he doubted his side had the votes to take Titus out.

Titus also said there "may be some opportunity to cause a little mischief in the Republican caucus" because of reported splits. She said her Democrats will work with southern Republicans on certain issues.

Senate Republicans were to hold their caucus today in Reno, where Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, was expected to be retained as the party leader.

Although disappointed Democrats did not make any gains in the state Senate, Titus said they had good candidates who worked hard. She said the Republicans drew the reapportionment plan for the Senate and yet the Democrats held their own in spite of this and the national swing to the GOP.