Although observers will see scant difference between the 2007 Nevada Senate and its predecessor, there are a number of changes in the Assembly including, for the first time in state history, a female speaker.
Barbara Buckley's selection as speaker leaves only one legislative post and two statewide offices in the state which have yet to be held by a woman: Senate majority leader, governor and U.S.. senator.
Several key faces are gone this time - by their own choice. Speaker Richard Perkins didn't run again, instead being content to serve only as Henderson's Police Chief. Chris Giunchigliani, vice chairwoman of Ways and Means and often a lightning rod for GOP opposition especially on social issues, chose to run for Clark County Commission.
And Minority Leader Lynn Hettrick, of Douglas County, bowed out saying it was time to concentrate on the family businesses. He is replaced by Garn Mabey, of Las Vegas, as leader of the Republicans.
Altogether, there are 10 new faces in the Assembly and Democrats hold 27 of the 42 seats. That leaves the 15 Republican members just enough to prevent a two-thirds vote to raise taxes or override a gubernatorial veto. But they can't afford to lose even one member on those critical votes.
The only change in the Senate was the defeat of Henderson Republican Sandra Tiffany, who was under a cloud during the campaign amid allegations she misused her office to further her Internet business both in Nevada and in dealings with officials of other states.
While it may not seem a major change, Joyce Woodhouse's victory over Tiffany narrows the GOP majority in the upper house to 11-10.
In past sessions, a one-vote margin has typically meant one Senate committee will be controlled by the minority party. To avoid that, Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, chopped the membership of the Commerce and Labor Committee from seven to five, leaving Chairman Randolph Townsend, R-Reno, with a 3-2 majority. That also leaves two Democrats, John Lee and Woodhouse, with no morning committee assignments.
The narrow majority could also put Raggio in a bind when one of his members has to break ranks on a specific issue important to his or her district. A good example would be an issue important to state workers, who make up a large percentage of Carson City Republican Mark Amodei's district.
On the Net
Keep track of what's happening online:
www.leg.state.nv.us
www.nevadalegislature.com
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www.nevadapolitics.com