Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Kirkpatrick to head Democratic caucus in Assembly

Day 2 - 2011 Legislative Session

Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun

Assemblywoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick asks a question during a meeting of the Assembly Taxation Committee on the second day of the 2011 legislative session Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011, in Carson City.

Assemblywoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick, D-North Las Vegas, a feisty policy wonk known for her blunt talk and working across the aisle, will lead the Democratic caucus next session, putting her in line to be the second woman to be speaker of the Assembly.

"As a caucus we’re all together," Kirkpatrick said, adding that the final vote was unanimous. "We have a lot that we want to get done next session, and we’re ready to work together and move forward in the long term."

Assemblyman William Horne, D-Las Vegas, was the favorite to be speaker after Assembly Majority Leader Marcus Conklin lost his re-election bid last session. But some members of the caucus, speaking on the condition of anonymity, admired Kirkpatrick's work ethic and questioned Horne's acceptance of a lobbying trip last year.

Kirkpatrick can serve in 2013 and 2015 before she is termed out, while Horne will be serving in his last term.

Kirkpatrick has been praised by Republicans for working across the aisle.

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