Oceguera, legislative leaders will respond to Sandoval

Incoming Assembly speaker John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas, on Monday will give the Democratic response to Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval's state of the state speech.

The response will be followed by a press conference where Oceguera will be joined by Senate majority leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, and other legislative leaders.

Since November when Sandoval was elected by a landslide margin over Democrat Rory Reid the state's political class has been awaiting the former federal judge, attorney general gaming commission chairman and assemblyman from Reno to lay out a detailed vision for the state.

Sandoval so far has mostly reiterated that he doesn't plan to increase taxes despite estimated general fund revenue of just $5.3 billion for the 2011-13 biennium, compared to about $6.4 billion the previous budget period.

According to the statement today from Oceguera's office: "Legislative leadership will moderate the news conference and key members will be attending. Leadership will make a brief statement responding to Governor Sandoval’s address and proceed to take questions from the media."

Politically, much is at stake in advance of the 2011 session of the Legislature, which opens Feb. 7.

So far Sandoval has engendered much goodwill, in large part because of his positive disposition, telegenic presence and robust resume.

The response to Sandoval's state of the state speech will be the Democrats' first major opportunity to offer a contrasting vision for Nevada.

In general, Democrats, who hold a legislative majority in both houses, doubt Sandoval can balance the budget and preserve essential services through budget cuts alone. Horsford, in particular, has stated the budget may require a balance of tax increases and cuts to close the gap.

But Democratic leaders have yet to demonstrate they can pull together the Democratic and Republican votes they would need to override a Sandoval veto and put their own stamp on the state budget.

Oceguera will post a recording of his speech on his Facebook page.