Three women to head Democratic team in state Senate

CARSON CITY - For the first time, an all-female team will lead the Democratic contingent in the Nevada Senate during the 2001 Legislature.

Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, announced Wednesday that she has named Sen. Bernice Mathews, D-Reno, as assistant minority leader and Sen. Valerie Wiener, D-Las Vegas, as minority whip.

The Republicans hold a 12-9 advantage over Democrats in the Senate.

Titus has led the Democrats since 1993. She was the first woman ever to head a party in the Legislature.

Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley. D-Las Vegas, recently became the first woman Assembly majority leader.

In announcing the appointments, Titus said Mathews has experience as a small business owner and with the Senate Finance Committee.

''Bernice understands firsthand the problems and opportunities facing small businesses struggling to survive and thrive in our increasingly complex economy,'' Titus said.

She added that Wiener will work with other Democrats on developing policy positions.

''Valerie has shown an ability to work with others to build consensus and (give) the attention to detail that results in well-crafted legislation,'' Titus said. ''Eighteen of 20 of her bills during those two sessions were enacted into law.''