Tuesday, March 18, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
In only her second term, Buckley, 36, a Las Vegas Democrat and lawyer, is building a reputation as an independent in a Legislature that has few mavericks.
Buckley, who sees herself as more of a populist than a liberal, has attracted much attention this session with her fight to protect seriously ill Nevadans from managed-care abuses.
Wagner, who now teaches a course at the University of Nevada, Reno on women in politics, asked Buckley to lunch last week and talked about political labeling.
"She'd been hearing criticism that she's smart but liberal," Wagner, a former Republican legislator and lieutenant governor, said later. "Maybe it's because she's a woman. She's upfront on people issues."
Buckley's status wouldn't seem remarkable if she didn't serve in a Legislature where few successfully confront the biggest special interests.
The casino industry, health-care conglomerates and insurance companies generally prevail because their lobbyists raise much of the money politicians need to win elections.
The difference with Buckley is her ability to build coalitions and to come up with new ideas, legislators and lobbyists say.
"Being nice can get you a long ways in this building," says Assemblyman Pete Ernaut, R-Reno.
"She has not only brought up interesting, important and politically attractive problems, but she has proposed solutions," adds lobbyist Renny Ashleman.
But managed-care officials argue that the hearings on their industry could have the unintended effect of causing health costs to rise because her bill would undo the money-saving measures that gave rise to HMOs in the 1980s.
Buckley's legislation will have to get through Sen. Randolph Townsend, R-Reno, chairman of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.
Townsend is focusing less on wrenching testimony and more on keeping health costs low.
"Every time government gets involved in the marketplace, the price will go up," he said.
Townsend is expected to battle Buckley over key provisions, including one allowing patients to sue a managed-care organization that recommends a medical procedure that doesn't work.
Buckley says she'll remain undeterred as her bill makes its way through the legislative meat-grinder.
"I like helping people who have difficulty with the system," she said.
She also will not be drawn into political speculation. She reportedly is considering a campaign next year against Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny.
"I am very happy with where I am in the Assembly," she said. "I have no plans to run for any other office - at this time."
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