On behalf of Senate staff past and present, I would like to add my voice to the chorus of recognition honoring Senator Bill Raggio for his lifetime of public service. Senator Raggio passed away today at the age of 85. With 38 years of service, Senator Raggio will likely forever hold the distinction as the longest-serving Senator in the history of the Nevada Legislature. But the story of Bill Raggio is about much more than longevity. It’s about the respect and admiration that he earned, with colleagues and staff alike.
Mike Archer last year wrote “A Man of His Word: The Life & Times of Nevada’s Senator Bill Raggio,” the definitive and authorized biography. Mike served as a Senior Finance Committee Proofreader in the 2011 Session. He has worked for the Senate for nearly ten years. Last year, Senator Raggio did a book signing in the Legislative Building, upon publication of that book. The line that formed for that book signing told you all you needed to know about the respect and admiration Senator Raggio earned – and just how widespread that sentiment was. I saw Senate, Assembly and Legislative Counsel Bureau staff in that line. I saw lobbyists – committed conservative Republicans and committed liberal Democrats alike – in that line. I even remember a few current members of the Assembly and Senate were good naturedly standing in line, as a sort of simple tribute and show of respect. We are very fortunate that we had the opportunity in 2011 to honor Senator Raggio while he was still with us and in relatively good health.
Sherry Rodriguez serves as Assistant Secretary of the Senate. In that capacity, she is responsible for coordinating closely with the Majority Leader on bill referrals and parliamentary matters. This morning she said, “Senator Raggio has touched so many lives not just here inside the Legislature but throughout the entire State of Nevada. His presence will forever be felt inside the Senate Chamber as we remember him and his eloquent way of speaking. Anyone who knew him could feel his love and passion he held for the great State of Nevada. During his career Senator Raggio dealt with many tribulations and triumphs but he always stood steadfast for what he felt was best and what he felt was right for the people of Nevada, putting aside the influence or threats of others. Most of all he leaves behind a legacy of what a true Statesman is and should be. Senator Raggio will truly be missed by all and especially those of us who were fortunate to work closely with him inside the Senate Chamber."
I think Sherry’s words speak for many on the Senate staff. Let me let you in on a secret: even though the Senate staff is sworn to be nonpartisan, we still have our favorites. Many Senators serve their terms with good humor, dignity, and a sense of decorum. Some, like Senator Raggio, exceed even this standard and bring esteem to the institution with their dedication and selfless devotion to the process. Senator Raggio loved the Senate like few others. His hard work reflected tremendously on the institution.
The story of Senator Raggio is about much more than longevity, but longevity is an important aspect of the story. To serve for 38 years in the Senate is quite an accomplishment; to serve as Senate Majority Leader for 10 regular sessions and 9 special sessions – setting records that will likely never be surpassed – is literally unprecedented and shows the kind of political acumen that became a Raggio hallmark. Jan Thomas, who served as Secretary of the Senate from 1981-2000, said today that, “Senator Bill Raggio was indeed a gifted man who deeply cared about the people whom he served and all of humanity in general,” while Claire Clift, who served as Secretary of the Senate from 2001-2010, said, “he had a keen wisdom and insight into the integral elements of governance that made the Senate an outstanding example of what a bipartisan, deliberative body could yield when working together.” My two predecessors worked with Senator Raggio for nearly thirty years altogether. More than most, they had the measure of the man. The admiration of both women speaks volumes to the quality of this Senate icon.
Throughout his illustrious Senate career, Senator Raggio was beloved by his Finance Committee staff (a committee he chaired for 18 years) and by his personal staff. Particularly, the Senate staffs’ condolences go out to Dale Raggio, who for many years served as his Executive Assistant and worked closely with staff of the Nevada Senate. We will miss Senator Raggio, but the Nevada Senate – an institution that Senator Raggio loved – has been molded by his wit and wisdom forevermore.
