Pat Hickey, Nevada Republican Assembly leader:
"Bill Raggio epitomized a brand of politics where relationships meant more than party, and legislating was about solutions more than posturing."
Bob Thomas, former Nevada Assembly member:
"As a Republican assemblyman in the 1980s, I negotiated with Bill Raggio many times. He was a typical lawyer, hard-headed and ... a master politician who specialized in being a power broker."
Ty Cobb Sr., former adviser to President Ronald Reagan:
"Bill Raggio defined Northern Nevada politics for more than 50 years. No one else has had such an impact on the region. He fostered economic growth, promoted the state's influence nationally ... and he brought a civility to Nevada politics that is rapidly disappearing. He knew how to disagree without being disagreeable. This is truly the end of an era. Prominent figures from Frank Sinatra to Ronald Reagan to every governor sought his advice and guidance."
Former U.S. Sen. Paul Laxalt:
"His accomplishments in the Nevada State Senate are well documented and perhaps unequaled. Like other legislative giants, Bill understood the legislative process inside and out. He was both substantive and a skillful inside politician. Throughout my political career, I adhered to a policy of not allowing political differences to transform into personal differences. That was the essence of Bill Raggio. Sadly, that quality is sorely missing in today's toxic political environment."
Former Gov. Bob Miller:
"He said recently 'compromise' is not a dirty word. He and I both believed negotiation and compromise was the best way to work together for the state of Nevada. I considered him a friend and miss him in that capacity. All Nevadans are going to miss his leadership."
