Mike O'Callaghan

Even newcomers to state politics know that that 81-year-old William Raggio has dominated the Nevada political arena for more than forty years. But do young Nevadans know the story of how Raggio was Spiro Agnew’s hand-picked guy?

Back in 1970, national Republicans wanted to beat Howard Cannon, a two-term Democratic United States Senator. They almost did six years earlier, when Paul Laxalt, then the Lieutenant Governor, came within 48 votes of winning in a year when Lyndon Johnson was carrying Nevada with 59% of the vote.

Raggio has been viewed young rising star in Nevada politics since his election as Washoe County District Attorney in 1958, at age 32.

Even newcomers to state politics know that that 81-year-old William Raggio has dominated the Nevada political arena for more than forty years. But do young Nevadans know the story of how Raggio was Spiro Agnew’s hand-picked guy?

Back in 1970, national Republicans wanted to beat Howard Cannon, a two-term Democratic United States Senator. They almost did six years earlier, when Paul Laxalt, then the Lieutenant Governor, came within 48 votes of winning in a year when Lyndon Johnson was carrying Nevada with 59% of the vote.

Raggio has been viewed young rising star in Nevada politics since his election as Washoe County District Attorney in 1958, at age 32.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio told PolitickerNV.com that he’s still undecided about seeking re-election next year. His seat is not in jeopardy – it’s a likely Republican hold – but his retirement, or even the suggestion of one, would be truly historic.

Under state term limits laws, Raggio would be eligible to run again in 2008, and would have to retire at the end of 2012, when he would be 86-years-old.