Redistricting has created new opportunities

Erin Neff

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002 | 11:06 a.m.

The 2001 Legislature convened with just three freshman who had to learn the ropes in Carson City.

But when lawmakers meet for 120 days starting in February, roughly one-third of the 63-member body could be new.

Redistricting has created new districts and new political opportunities. Retirements and primary-election losses have also taken their toll.

In the Assembly, four incumbents lost in the primary; five retired; four are seeking other offices; and four seats were created.

In the Senate, three Clark County seats opened when Bill O'Donnell retired, Mark James decided to run for County Commission and Jon Porter set his sights on Congress. District 12 was created during redistricting.

"It is going to be a whole new Legislative body," said Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, a Democrat from Henderson who has no opponent.

In the Assembly, that will mean new representatives in the following districts:

Then there are the retirements. The Republicans lost David Humke, R-Reno, and Kathy Von Tobel, R-Las Vegas. The Democrats lost Joe Dini, D-Yerington; Bonnie Parnell, D-Carson City; and Roy Neighbors, D-Tonopah.

And four incumbents are seeking higher offices.

District 3 was vacated by John Lee, a Democrat running for state controller. District 5 was vacated by Barbara Cegavske, a Republican running for state Senate. District 13 is open thanks to Republican Dennis Nolan's bid for state Senate, and District 21 was vacated by Republican Sandra Tiffany, who is also running for state Senate.

Each political party is trying to figure out what all the change is going to mean to the current majority, which Democrats hold 27-15. They have lost six incumbents; the Republicans have lost seven.

Although Democrats are a lock to hold the Assembly, the Republicans' 12-9 Senate majority is being challenged.

In Clark County, Democrats are focusing on Senate District 9 with candidate Terry Lamuraglia running against Nolan. The party is also eyeing Sparks Republican Maurice Washington with candidate Joe Carter.

If the Democrats hold all of their current seats -- which they are expected to do -- and pick up two of the open or contested seats, Dina Titus would become the Senate Majority Leader.

Bill Raggio, R-Reno, has been majority leader for a decade.