[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 30 (Monday, February 27, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1029-S1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING SENATOR RAGGIO

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, last week Nevada lost a great statesman and 
I lost a friend and mentor. William Raggio was the longest serving 
State senator in Nevada's history. He died last week while traveling in 
Australia. My heart is with his wife Dale, whom I spoke with, children 
Leslie and Tracy and, of course, my thoughts go to Mark, the son Bill 
lost in 2004, six grandchildren, and they have a great-grandchild.
  I hope it is some small comfort to know that all of Nevada mourns the 
loss of this very effective and fine Nevada citizen.
  He was a second-generation Nevadan born and raised in Reno, NV. 
Senator Randolph Townsend said, ``Bill was part of the fabric of the 
city.'' That is true. He lived to serve.
  In addition to his four decades of service in the State legislature, 
he volunteered to serve in the Armed Forces during World War II. He 
enlisted in the Navy at age 17, but the war ended before he graduated 
from officer training school.
  When he finished his service, he attended the University of Nevada, 
and then went to law school in California. But he continued to serve in 
the U.S. Marine Corps as a United States Navy Reservist.
  He was the district attorney of Washoe County, which is the Reno 
metropolitan area, for 18 years, including 3 terms before he became a 
State legislator. He was president of the National DAs Association.
  He rooted out corruption wherever he served. There was nothing more 
corrupt, in his mind, and the minds of all Nevadans, than an illegal 
brothel. That illegal brothel went on by virtue of Joe Conforte being 
able to pass out money to people for a long time. Bill Raggio, as DA, 
picked a fight with him, and that fight is legend. Bill got the last 
word. Conforte spent 22 months in prison for trying to bribe Bill 
Raggio. And in 1965, Bill Raggio, to get the last word, had the local 
authorities declare that facility a nuisance and burn it

[[Page S1030]]

down. He was there watching the fire as it destroyed that place.
  It wasn't until 1972 that Bill brought his integrity and dedication 
to the State House as a member of the Nevada State Senate. So for 38 
years, there wasn't a piece of legislation that passed the Nevada 
legislature that didn't have his imprint on it in some way. He worked 
to help pass thousands of different pieces of legislation. He was an 
expert in the process. Nobody knew how to craft a budget better than 
Bill Raggio.
  He was a Republican who believed government should be ``lean but not 
mean.'' He was never afraid to work with Democratic members, even 
though he was Republican leader for several terms. Here is what he said 
recently: I think the present leadership of the Republican Party is a 
little too radical and has been taken over by what I think is a radical 
element.
  He went on to say in an interview, after he decided to retire:

       The party has to reshape itself, or it won't win general 
     elections down the road.

  That is Bill Raggio, speaking as we should all speak--not as a 
Republican but as a Nevadan and an American. So it is no surprise to 
see the outpouring of grief of Democrats and Republicans at his 
passing.
  ``No one has ever loved this state more or has had a more passionate 
desire to make things better for the people who live here,'' said 
Democratic Assembly Speaker John Ocegera.

       If there was a Mount Rushmore of Nevada politics, Bill 
     Raggio's image would forever be carved there. The Nevada 
     family has lost a great patriarch.

  That was what Republican Governor Brian Sandoval said.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record 
four pages of statements made by Nevada-elected and appointed 
officials, and citizens of Nevada about Bill Raggio.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                        [From the Las Vegas Sun]

           Reaction to Death of Former State Sen. Bill Raggio

                           (Associated Press)

       Reaction to the death of retired state Sen. Bill Raggio, R 
     Reno, Nevada's longest-serving state senator:
       If there was a Mount Rushmore of Nevada politics, Bill 
     Raggio's image would forever be carved there. The Nevada 
     family has lost a great patriarch; may God rest his soul as 
     we remember all that he meant to our state.--Gov. Brian 
     Sandoval, R Nevada.
                                  ____

       I have known Bill for decades; he has been a mentor to me. 
     He always fought for Nevada and his invaluable contributions 
     and service to our state will live on. . . . His important 
     voice will be missed.--U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry 
     Reid, D Nevada.
                                  ____

       Clearly, he was one of the state's greatest and most 
     accomplished public servants. He was also a helluva good guy 
     who possessed a wonderful sense of humor. . . . (H)e had an 
     exceptional legal mind and was a knowledgeable, courageous 
     and fair-minded DA who helped root out organized crime in 
     Northern Nevada.--Former U.S. Sen. Paul Laxalt, R Nevada.
                                  ____

       Bill was a true public servant and his sole agenda was 
     simply to make Nevada a better place. He has left an 
     unmatched political footprint upon our state, and the 
     citizens will reap the rewards of this gifted and decent 
     gentleman for many years to come.--Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, R 
     Nevada.
                                  ____

       Sen. Raggio was an icon, a consummate statesman and one of 
     the most knowledgeable and pragmatic legislators ever to 
     serve the people of Nevada. His absence from the Legislature 
     with his retirement was keenly felt. His passing on Thursday 
     ends a chapter in Nevada history.--Nevada Supreme Court Chief 
     Justice Nancy Saitta.
                                  ____

       The passing of Bill Raggio is a tragic loss for Nevadans. 
     For those of us in the law enforcement community, we fondly 
     recall and continue to tell stories about Bill standing up to 
     perpetrators to ensure a safe community. Bill will always be 
     remembered for his impassioned service and dedication.--
     Nevada state Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto.
                                  ____

       Bill Raggio was the type of elected official I strive to 
     become. In an era of intense partisanship, he upheld a 
     statesman's voice of reason.--Nevada Secretary of State Ross 
     Miller, via Twitter.
                                  ____

       There are no words to describe his dedication to the state 
     of Nevada and I wish to express my deepest condolences and 
     prayers for his wife Dale, and his family. Bill was a true 
     statesman who dedicated his life to making Nevada a better 
     place to live. His legacy will be remembered for generations 
     to come.--U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R Nevada.
                                  ____

       He was nothing short of a giant in Nevada politics and a 
     fierce advocate for the state he loved, especially the north. 
     His dedicated public service has improved the lives of 
     thousands of Nevada families and his tireless work on higher 
     education has left a permanent mark on this state.--Rep. 
     Shelley Berkley, D Las Vegas.
                                  ____

       Bill Raggio was the consummate statesman and a dedicated 
     public servant. He was a mentor of mine and it was an honor 
     to work under him in the state senate while he was Majority 
     Leader. He will truly be missed.--U.S. Rep. Joe Heck, R 
     Henderson.
                                  ____

       This is the end of an era in Nevada. Bill was an icon of 
     legislative public service and it was a privilege to serve 
     with him in the state senate. My condolences go out to his 
     wife Dale and his two daughters.--U.S. Rep. Mark Amodei, R 
     Carson City.
                                  ____

       Last year, I was honored to induct Senator Raggio into the 
     Senate Hall of Fame for his unwavering commitment to our 
     state. From his service as a District Attorney to becoming 
     one of the longest serving legislators in Nevada history, 
     Senator Raggio always put the people of Nevada first. . . . 
     Nevada has truly lost one of its finest statesmen.--Nevada 
     Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D Las Vegas.
                                  ____

       Senator Raggio epitomized the term ``public servant.'' . . 
     . He was a tireless advocate for higher education, believing 
     that it was the gateway to a better life for any Nevadan. 
     With so many accomplishments and such universal respect, it's 
     impossible to do justice and honor to the life of such a 
     man.--Nevada Senate Republican Caucus.
                                  ____

       Saddened by the passing of Senator Bill Raggio. A true 
     statesman. My thoughts & prayers are with his family.--Nevada 
     Sen. Ruben Kihuen, D Las Vegas, via Twitter.
                                  ____

       Feels odd to tweet about Bill Raggio but odd not to. He was 
     my friend and a mentor. A great loss 4 Nev but, oh what a 
     life he lived!--Nevada Assemblywoman Debbie Smith, D Reno, 
     via Twitter.
                                  ____

       For those of us in higher education, indeed the whole 
     education community, we pause to thank this man who came from 
     humble immigrant roots and rose to great power, in part by 
     public education. He never forgot the contribution of 
     education to his life. We have lost a member of our family 
     today--indeed, our patriarch and champion.--Board of Regents, 
     Nevada System of Higher Education.
                                  ____

       Raggio was a champion for our Airport Authority and he had 
     the vision to create a transportation entity that plays a 
     vital role in the economy of our region. He was also a 
     wonderful mentor to me and I will miss his sage advice and 
     wise counsel. The legacy of his forward thinking will be felt 
     in our community for years to come.--Krys Bart, president and 
     CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority.
                                  ____

       He championed our state's heritage and he made our values a 
     priority. He ensured that protecting our environment was a 
     non-partisan position in Carson City as he worked across the 
     aisle to support conservation funding and wildlife. 
     Regardless of your politics, Bill Raggio was a great leader 
     and he will be missed.--Nevada Conservation League.
                                  ____

       Those who have followed NPRI's work over the years know 
     that we have both agreed and disagreed with Mr. Raggio's 
     views on various policy issues. But there was never any doubt 
     as to his love for Nevada and his commitment to making it a 
     better place to live. For that, he will always have our 
     respect and our admiration.--Andy Matthews, president of 
     Nevada Policy Research Institute.
                                  ____

       He was every bit as good and as genuine and as committed to 
     public service as what's described. That's the real person. 
     It's a huge loss.--Nevada Sen. Greg Brower, R Reno.
                                  ____

       No one has ever loved this state more or had a more 
     passionate desire to make things better for the people who 
     live here. His ability to bring people together to get things 
     done was legendary. . . . At times, he may have been an 
     adversary on a particular issue, but he was always a true 
     leader, a teacher and a friend.--Nevada Speaker of the 
     Assembly John Oceguera, D Las Vegas.
                                  ____

       He was one of the greatest friends and a true mentor to me. 
     Our great state is better because of his leadership and 
     service. He will be sorely missed.--Reno Mayor Bob Cashell.
                                  ____

       The thing that was great about Senator Raggio and the time 
     that I spent with him in the Legislature was his ability to 
     bring the two sides together and get things done. He was a 
     master at doing that.--Reno City Manager Andrew Clinger.
                                  ____

       He understood that politics is really filled with 
     compromise. The public still owns this process and they send 
     people of all stripes, different backgrounds, different 
     sections of the state. He knew in order to move things 
     forward, you had to compromise.--Former Nevada Sen. Randolph 
     Townsend, R Reno.
                                  ____

       Today Nevada Republicans across the state mourn the loss of 
     a great leader and the loss

[[Page S1031]]

     of an even greater friend. While it is a sad day for all 
     Nevadans, it is only appropriate to remember the legacy and 
     leadership he left behind for us to follow. A loss of a true 
     icon in Nevada politics will not be forgotten. . . . We will 
     miss you.--Nevada Republican Party Chairman James Smack.
                                  ____

       Shocked to hear of Sen Raggio's passing--last time we 
     spoke, he ranted about legislators needing to put aside 
     politics & work together.--Nevada Sen. Sheila Leslie, D Reno, 
     via Twitter.
                                  ____

       Rest in peace Senator Raggio. You will be missed, but never 
     forgotten.--Nevada Sen. Michael Roberson, R Henderson, via 
     Twitter.
                                  ____

       But Raggio also saw his Republican Party transform around 
     him. In 2003, when a group of Assembly Republicans refused to 
     vote for a tax plan, Raggio didn't hesitate to excavate a 
     pejorative from earlier in his storied career: He called them 
     ``John Birchers.'' By 2008, he was battling ex-Assemblywoman 
     Sharron Angle in a primary fight for the district he'd held 
     comfortably since 1972.
       When Raggio exercised his legendary independence--and a 
     good deal of personal pique--and endorsed Democrat Harry Reid 
     over Angle in the 2010 U.S. Senate race, his party finally 
     left him. He was ousted from his leadership position by 
     Fallon Republican Mike McGinness, and he tendered his 
     resignation from the Legislature for good.
       ``I think the present leadership of the Republican Party is 
     a little too radical and has been taken over by what I think 
     is a radical element,'' Raggio said in an interview after he 
     quit, using a true conservative's worst pejorative. ``The 
     party has to reshape itself or it won't win general elections 
     down the road.''
       Mark his words for November.
       Back in January 2011, Raggio told me in an interview that 
     the state would go on without him. ``Nobody is irreplaceable. 
     You will find that out,'' he said.
       I hope Raggio will forgive me one last time if I simply 
     don't agree.

  Mr. REID. He believed in doing what was right for Nevada, even when 
it wasn't right for his political party. I admired him and respected 
him. I respected him even when he and I disagreed, and that happened. 
But we agreed far more than we disagreed.
  I can remember the first time I met him. The person I worked for had 
worked as a deputy district attorney for Bill Raggio. He came to visit 
me in our law office, and he was always very funny, very articulate, 
and somebody I admired and, as I indicated, was my mentor. But I can 
remember him being in that office as if it were 10 minutes ago.
  Upon his retirement last year, Bill told a local reporter, ``Nobody 
is irreplaceable. You will see.'' It seems, once again, though, Bill 
and I disagreed. No one can replace Bill Raggio. The mark he left on 
Nevada politics could never be erased, but his powerful political voice 
and his true personal friendship will be missed.
  Senator Raggio was an effective legislator and leader in part because 
of his willingness to cooperate with those with whom he disagreed. It 
would serve this Chamber well to emulate his bipartisan approach.


                            Working Together

  We have a great deal to accomplish this work period. We need to 
consider postal reform legislation. It is mandatory that we do that. We 
have a pressing cyber-security piece of legislation that the Pentagon 
says is the most important thing we can do for our country. We have to 
clear a backlog of judicial nominees that threatens the effectiveness 
of our court system. But first, we must complete one of the most 
important tasks facing this Congress: strengthening our economy by 
rebuilding our Nation's crumbling infrastructure.
  Today we will resume progress on the Transportation bill that will 
put 2 million Americans back to work rebuilding roads, bridges, trains, 
and their tracks.
  The House is also considering transportation legislation. I was glad 
to see that House Republicans have moved away from that extreme 
proposal they were considering a few weeks ago. They are going to now 
try to pass something similar to our bipartisan legislation. This is 
bipartisan legislation.
  Too much rests on our success to let this jobs measure be bogged down 
by partisanship. President Dwight Eisenhower, a Republican, was the 
original champion of national infrastructure investment a half century 
ago. He once said:

       Only strength can cooperate. Weakness can only beg.

  He was right that it takes strength to work together. But working 
together also makes us strong. I look forward to working together with 
my colleagues on both sides as we complete transportation legislation 
that will make our economy strong.
  We have 5 weeks during this work period. We have a lot to do. I hope 
we can work together to get it done.

                          ____________________