Gov. Jim Gibbons and Senate Minority Leader Bill Raggio appeared to set aside their public sniping Thursday, meeting behind closed doors with other Republican legislative leaders to come to grips with cuts the governor wants that have been rejected by lawmakers of both parties.
Raggio, R-Reno, described the meeting as congenial and said he sensed a desire on the part of the governor to work with legislators to solve Nevada's close to $900 million budget shortfall and bring the special session that started Tuesday to a close.
The meeting came a day after Raggio lashed out at Gibbons in a statement on the Senate floor, assailing the governor for suggesting in published reports that Raggio didn't attend budget meetings held in the weeks leading up to the special session.
Raggio accused the governor of having "failing memory," and picking a fight because Raggio supports his opponent in the upcoming gubernatorial primary.
Asked Thursday if any apologies were made, Raggio replied, "I didn't ask for one and I don't think one is necessary." He declined comment on what was discussed.
Gibbons continued meeting with Assembly Minority Leader Heidi Gansert, R-Reno, and Assemblyman Pete Goicoechea, R-Eureka, and afterward wouldn't comment on discussions.