Senators add Titus to Hall of Fame

The Nevada Senate added two members to its Hall of Fame Tuesday " former Minority Leader Dina Titus and Charles Gallagher.

Titus, a political science professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, left the Nevada Senate last year after her election to the House of Representatives. She tied Ann O'Connell of Las Vegas as the longest serving female senator, with 20 years service.

Sens. Steven Horsford, Valerie Wiener, Bernice Mathews and even Republican Warren Hardy praised her as a mentor in their early days in the Legislature.

Sen. Bill Raggio, R-Reno, who was majority leader through the eight sessions Titus led the minority, wasn't as effusive.

"You weren't my mentor. I guess you were more of a tormentor," joked Raggio, referring to their frequent battles over the years.

Titus said afterward she takes that charge as a compliment.

But Raggio too praised her, saying "She'll be listened to in the Congress of the United States and we'll be well served."

Gallagher had the longest span of service in the Legislature in Nevada history. He served in the Assembly from 1914-1918, then was elected to the Senate in 1952, serving 12 years. Gallagher represented White Pine County where he was born in 1887.

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