Amodei to quit post for mining group

CARSON CITY -- State Sen. Mark Amodei, R-Carson City, is stepping down as head of the Nevada Mining Association so he won't have a "distracting" dual role at the Legislature.

His resignation takes effect Jan. 2, Amodei said Wednesday. The session opens Feb. 2. Proposals to be debated during the session are to include plans for higher taxes on mining.

Amodei had talked of quitting the Legislature to avoid any appearance of conflict. He also had said it was unfair to criticize him for taking the mining association job and disputed that it would compromise him as a lawmaker.