Special session attracts lots of lobbyists

By Cy Ryan

Friday, June 27, 2008 | 2:41 p.m.

CARSON CITY -- This may be only a one-day special session of the Nevada Legislature but there’s no lack of lobbyists.

By noon Friday, an estimated 95 lobbyists had formally registered and were given badges to wear in the legislative building. And many long-time lobbyists are walking the hallways but they haven’t registered.

They say they are not going to talk to legislators about any state business.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, said this session will conclude in one day. But he also hinted that the lawmakers may have to put a cloth to cover the clock if the session goes past midnight tonight.

That gimmick has been used in the past to give the false impression that midnight has not passed and the lawmakers are still in the same day and not exceeding the deadline.

Gov. Jim Gibbons set the session to end by midnight Sunday night.

But Sen. Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, said the legislators, not the governor, sets the length of the session.