Senate Democrats keep Horsford as majority leader

CARSON CITY -- State Sen. Steven Horsford and Assemblyman John Oceguera, both D-Las Vegas, were elected Wednesday by their respective caucuses as the Senate majority leader and the Assembly speaker for the 2011 legislative session.

In Tuesday's elections, the Democrats lost a seat in the Senate and two seats in the Assembly. They still hold an 11-10 lead in the Senate and have a 26-16 advantage in the Assembly.

Horsford said the most important message that came out of the election was that Nevadans want more jobs and an improved economy.

He said Governor-elect Brian Sandoval called him Wednesday and pledged to work with Democrats and the Legislature. Horsford said he hopes that the relationship between legislators and Sandoval will be much better than it was between lawmakers and outgoing Republican Gov. Jim Gibbons.

Horsford will announce today who will chair Senate committees and who will be members of his leadership team.

Horsford has been the majority leader for two years. Oceguera is replacing Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, as speaker. She was prevented by term limits from running again.

Oceguera said it is time for legislators to work together to rebuild the economy.

"We celebrated an election victory Tuesday night, but Nevadans won't have a true victory until we build a more diverse economy, reform and support our schools and create a government they can trust," Oceguera said.

Republicans will pick their leaders today during meetings in Reno. Sen. Bill Raggio, R-Reno, is expected to be named minority leader again, although some Republicans are upset that he supported Democratic incumbent Harry Reid over GOP challenger Sharron Angle in the Senate race.

Pete Goicoechea, R-Eureka, is expected to remain Assembly minority leader, although he may be challenged by Republican John Hambrick of Las Vegas.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.