Ex-senators inducted into Senate Hall of Fame

Two former Nevada senators with sharply different approaches to politics were praised Wednesday for their contributions to the state and installed in the Senate Hall of Fame.

Joe Neal, the North Las Vegas Democrat who was the first black person in the Nevada Senate, retired from office last year after 32 years in that body - second only to Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, who is now in his 33rd year.

Ray Rawson, a Las Vegas Republican who was Raggio's second in command, served 20 years before his defeat last year.

Neal was a powerhouse orator who frequently commanded attention to a cause on the floor. He was known for incisive and often biting questioning during committee and floor debates on an issue.

Rawson was known for his low key, inclusive handling of issues. He was described by both political supporters and foes as always polite, respectful and willing to work with little ego toward a consensus.

Both were praised for their dedication to the needs of the underprivileged, their desire to help all those unable to defend or help themselves.

Raggio admitted that when he and Neal arrived in the Senate in 1973, "I would say Senator Neal and I were so far apart, it would be difficult for us to sit down and discuss an issue.

"Yet I think we both had the same commitment and that is we wanted - to do what was best for the state of Nevada and, I can tell you as far as my observation is concerned, Senator Neal never took his eye off that goal."

Rawson, he pointed out, was key in creating the state's class-size-reduction program and in passing numerous measures dealing with health care.

"I don't know anyone who had more compassion than did Senator Rawson," Raggio said. "I look on him as a conscience and a mentor on many occasions."

Sen. Steve Horsford, D-North Las Vegas, who succeeded Neal in District 4, said his predecessor "faced challenges that my generation has only heard about."

"He took on issues and became a master of the process and represented our community with true dedication."

Bernice Mathews, D-Sparks, the first black female in the Nevada Senate, said she relied on Neal for advice and support from the day she arrived, adding, "I miss you."

Neal urged members of the Senate to "be true to the process and also remember the people who elected you here and treat them well."

Sen. Warren Hardy, R-Las Vegas, said he wouldn't have gotten involved in the political process were it not for Rawson.

Horsford described Rawson as "a man who respects others even when they don't agree with him."

And Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas, praised Rawson's willingness to help new members of the Senate learn the ropes.

Rawson described his tenure in the Senate as "an exceptional time." Like Neal, he urged senators to recognize the importance of the Legislature and the process to the citizens of the state.

They are the 29th and 30th legislators to be inducted into the Senate Hall of Fame. Later this session, Ann O'Connell, R-Las Vegas, and Horace Coryell, who served as a senator from 1907-1914, will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame. O'Connell, who was defeated in last year's elections, served longer than any other woman as a senator, 20 years.

n Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.