Leading Democrat in state Assembly won't seek re-election

Jan Evans, D-Sparks, a member of the Assembly since her election in 1986, said she is recovering from ovarian cancer and will not run for re-election this year.

Evans, 62, fell ill in May, during the 1999 legislative session, and underwent exploratory surgery.

Recent tests show no recurrence of cancer cells since her surgery in the spring and follow-up chemotherapy treatments, but Evans said there is always a long period of recovery from this type of illness.

"As much as I've enjoyed my eight years of appointed service and 14 years in elected office, I believe it is time to devote my full time and attention to my recovery rather than the rigors of a political campaign," she said.

Assembly Democrats said Evans will be missed.

"Jan has been an incredible leader in the Nevada Legislature ever since she was elected," said Assembly Speaker Joe Dini, D-Yerington. "Particularly on the issues of education funding, domestic violence and welfare reform, there is no one in either house who can hold a candle to Jan. To say she will be missed is an understatement."

Evans is the second Democrat in the 42-member Assembly to announce she will not run for another term. Freshman Kelly Thomas, D-Las Vegas, announced late last year he would not run again either. Democrats hold 28 of the 42 seats.

Control of the two houses of the Legislature is important both to Republicans and Democrats because political districts will be redrawn in 2001 following the 2000 census.

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