[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S1145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING BILL RAGGIO

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to the life 
and work of Bill Raggio, a steadfast Nevadan, my mentor, and dedicated 
public servant who passed away on February 23, 2012. Our State has lost 
a truly devoted leader and influential icon in Nevada politics. We 
mourn the passing of a dear friend and celebrate the life of a man who 
lived and fought for the betterment of our State.
  The loss of Bill is something that will be felt all across Nevada. He 
was truly a giant in every sense of the word. His recordbreaking 38 
years in the Nevada State Senate can only be described as selfless. 
Over the course of 10 terms, Bill was dedicated beyond question. He not 
only demonstrated a tactful leadership style but also devoted himself 
to fiscal responsibility. His ability to compromise and his willingness 
to work across party lines helped him to overcome partisan differences 
and legislative hurdles to meet the needs of the great State of Nevada. 
Bill influenced my work, and for that I am forever thankful.
  Never afraid to tackle the difficult problems, Bill pledged his 
commitment to dutifully protecting the citizens of northern Nevada as 
the Washoe County district attorney. He was a great man who fought hard 
for Nevadans and was respected by many. We are fortunate and proud to 
remember Bill, a second-generation Nevadan and Reno native.
  Bill touched the lives of tens of thousands of Nevada families, 
spanning generations. He served Nevadans with honor and devotion, and 
we are blessed by Bill's enduring and undeniable passion for public 
service. I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the life 
of a great statesman who will always be remembered for his unwavering 
commitment to Nevada. His passing is a tremendous loss, and his legacy 
will be cherished for generations to come. I wish to extend my deepest 
sympathies and condolences to Bill's wife Dale and the entire Raggio 
family.

                          ____________________