Bill Raggio the longest serving State Senator in Nevada’s history has died at age 85. Raggio who was first elected in 1972, he served in Nevada’s legislature for 38 years and as the Republican caucus leader for 28 years. Raggio retired in January 2011.
Bill Raggio was an old school republican who wanted the best not only for his constituents in Washoe county, but for all of Nevada. In 2010 Raggio endorsed Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) over his opponent Sharron Angle, and objected to the current anti-tax hard-line stance that republicans in Nevada and the country now support. Bill Raggio had the respect of all Nevadans regardless of party affiliation.
Statement of Governor Brian Sandoval this morning:
"With the death of Senator Bill Raggio, one of the great lights in the world of Nevada politics has gone out. Senator Raggio's career exemplified the very best of public service. His dedication to law and order, higher education, and the fiscal health of this great state spanned literally decades of Nevada history and touched the lives of tens of thousands of Nevadans. Kathleen and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the Raggio family in their time of mourning. I have said before that 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."
Statement from U.S. Senator Harry Reid:
"I am very saddened to hear my friend, Bill Raggio, has passed away. 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. I want to express my sympathies to his lovely wife, Dale, who has always stood by his side. His important voice will be missed."
Statement from Congresswoman Shelley Berkley:
"I was deeply saddened to learn of Bill Raggio's passing. 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. My thoughts are with his wife, Dale, and the rest of his family during this difficult time. He will be sorely missed."
Statement from State Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford:
"I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of Senator Bill Raggio, one of Nevada's most respected public servants. 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. My heart and prayers go out to his wife Dale, his daughters and the entire Raggio family. Nevada has truly lost one of its finest statesmen."
Statement from Assembly Speaker John Oceguera:
"It was an honor and privilege to serve with Bill Raggio in the Nevada State Legislature. 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. Those of us fortunate enough to have served with him learned so much about putting aside our differences to accomplish real, tangible goals for our constituents and our state. At times, he may have been an adversary on a particular issue, but he was always a true leader, a teacher and a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
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