Rawson, Neal in Hall of Fame

Thursday, March 24, 2005 | 9:41 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Former Sen. Joe Neal, the first black elected to the Senate, and former Sen. Ray Rawson, who championed the start of the dental school in Southern Nevada, were inducted Wednesday into the Senate Hall of Fame.

At the end of a two-hour ceremony praising the two former Las Vegas senators, Gov. Kenny Guinn announced the new mental health facility being built in Las Vegas would be named the Neal-Rawson hospital.

He said both worked for those who were less fortunate while in the Senate.

Neal, a Democrat, served 32 years in the Senate and retired last year. He ran for Clark County Commission but was defeated. Rawson, a Republican, served 20 years and was defeated in his bid for re-election last year.

Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, called Neal a "great orator" who feared nothing and fought for voters' rights and against racial profiling.

Sen. Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, who replaced Neal, said he was "the first African American elected to the Senate. He forged the way for others to follow."

Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, said he and Neal arrived at the same time in the Senate in 1972. He said they had their differences, but added that Neal "never took his eye off the goal" of what was best for Nevada.

Neal, in a short speech, said the Senators "should be true to the process" and advised them to treat those who elected them with courtesy.

Raggio described Rawson as an "ardent supporter" of the public schools and the University and Community College System of Nevada.

"I don't know of anyone who gave more of his time to the people," said Raggio, referring to the long meetings Rawson had with the public over various issues. "He championed programs for the disadvantaged."

Raggio also called Rawson his "right arm" in serving as assistant majority leader.

Rawson, his voice choking with emotion, said he experienced an "exceptional time" in service in the Senate. "This is an important institution."