Emotional constituents say Bryan has done great service for Nevada

Democrats talked in somber, reflective tones, as if Sen. Richard Bryan had died.

Republicans talked as though the Grand Old Party had gotten a breath of new life, at least as far as getting a shot at the seat Bryan, D-Nev., has held since 1988.

After Bryan announced Thursday he would not seek a third term in the Senate in 2000, members of both parties agreed that he was popular with his constituents and had done great service for Nevada.

"This is like going to a funeral -- I can't remember ever having cried in public before," Sen. Harry Reid., D-Nev., said after listening to the announcement made on the steps of the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies and Performing Art.

Bryan said he chose that site -- the old Las Vegas High School -- because it was there in 1952 that he began his political career by being elected sophomore class president. Two years later, he was elected senior class president.

The long and winding road of politics took Bryan to both houses of the Nevada Legislature, the state's attorney general's office, the governorship of Nevada and finally to the Senate.

"This is a great loss to the state. I've really enjoyed working with him," Reid said.

It may have been Bryan's "funeral," but he appeared content and very much alive.

"I am fortunate to enjoy good health," Bryan, 61, said, noting that he recently received a clean bill from his annual physical. "My cholesterol is so low I had to order a pizza last night to bring it back up."

Bryan noted that of the people who have served as senators from Nevada, all but two have either died in office or were defeated. In 1973 Alan Bible announced he would not run again and in 1985 Paul Laxalt made the same decision.

"I want to continue that tradition," Bryan said.

The Republicans are glad he does.

"It is always better to run against an open seat than an incumbent," said Chuck Muth, chairman of the Nevada Republican Liberty Caucus, who attended the announcement. "This will cause a lot of potential candidates from both parties to re-evaluate their political futures."

Dan Burdish, executive director of the Nevada GOP, agreed: "I think it is great. I talked to the senator today and said thank you for serving Nevada. It also could stand as a thank you for him deciding not to run again."

Bryan said he has not become disenchanted with the nation's capital, which is his birth place, nor with being a senator because of the recent impeachment trial of President Clinton.

The reaction of others to Bryan's announcement:

President Clinton: "Throughout his career, Sen. Richard Bryan has been a staunch advocate and tireless champion of the people. He has been an ardent protector of Nevada's environment. ... As a distinguished member of the Finance Committee, (he) has constantly been recognized for his leadership in promoting fiscal responsibility."

Clark County Democratic Party Chairman Charlie Waterman: "It (the announcement) is devastating. He has been a tremendous asset to the state, and he has built up seniority (in the Senate) that this state will miss."

Mayor Jan Laverty Jones, mentioned along with former Gov. Bob Miller and Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa as potential Democratic replacements for Bryan: "He is an icon of Nevada politics. I am shocked by his decision, and he will be sorely missed."

Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev.: "I first met Dick Bryan when I walked precincts for him in 1968 as a senior at Valley High School. No one works harder, is more knowledgeable, is more articulate or cares more about Nevada than Dick Bryan."

Gov. Kenny Guinn, a Republican: "(Bryan has served with) dignity and integrity and will leave behind a legacy of accomplishments that he will rightfully look back upon with great pride."

State Sen. Mark James, a potential Republican candidate for Bryan's seat: "This is significant. It changes everything. I will give a very hard look at it. I'm very fond of Dick Bryan. In many ways he did a fine job for us."

Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas: "It's a sad day for losing Dick Bryan because of his contributions to the state, not only as a Democrat but as a Nevadan."

Assembly Majority Leader Richard Perkins, D-Henderson: "The only thing he mentioned (at a meeting last Tuesday) is that he has (his first) three grandchildren coming in the next few months. I'm sure the family thing weighed on the decision. You lose a public servant the caliber of Dick Bryan, it's a loss for the entire state."

Bryan that said he had fulfilled all of his political goals and dreams and that it was time to step down and give someone else a chance at leadership.

"Public service has been my life -- I've loved every moment of it," he said, noting that he cast his first ballot in 1958 for late Nevada Gov. Grant Sawyer, a man he called one of his early influences.

"I have been truly blessed," Bryan said. "Bonnie and I look forward to new opportunities and new challenges. ... It's time to come home."

Sun reporter Cy Ryan contributed to this report.

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