The sizable Wells Fargo Auditorium is already “sold out” for the free (but RSVPs required) special event at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center this Sunday, “Dishin’ the Old Political Dirt: What Really Happened in Nevada Politics.” However, members of the media who wish to cover this 3 p.m. panel discussion are invited to attend. In addition, media wishing to cover the event may attend the invitation-only reception at 1 p.m. for former Gov. and U.S. Sen. Richard H. Bryan and his guests, where Bryan will give remarks at 1:30 p.m.
At the 3 p.m. public event, four former Nevada politicians will provide a glimpse into Nevada’s political past, discussing the events, the people and the decisions behind the state’s political scene – all from their perspectives as political insiders:
- Richard H. Bryan – Former Nevada attorney general, governor, and U. S. senator.
- Patricia D. Cafferata – Attorney, member of the Nevada Assembly, and the first woman to hold the office of Nevada state treasurer (1982-1986)
- Marlene Lockhard – Chief of staff serving under Gov. Bryan, and state director for Sen. Bryan
- Sue Wagner – Member of Nevada Assembly and Senate, and first woman to hold the office of Nevada lieutenant governor (1991-1995)
- Keith Lee (Moderator) – Attorney, lobbyist, political operative and former campaign manager
The panel discussion and the private reception celebrate the opening of the papers from Bryan’s time as U.S. senator, which he has placed in the Knowledge Center’s Special Collections, joining other papers in the department’s congressional papers manuscript collections. These collections, made up of the materials generated in the course of the duties of senators and representatives, are considered private property and can be preserved at the discretion of the individual.
“These personal papers have a tremendous and often untapped historic value,” explained Jacquelyn Sundstrand, manuscripts and archives librarian for Special Collections. “By depositing his materials here and opening them to the public, Richard Bryan has created an important window into our democratic process and his place in it as one of Nevada’s public servants.”
For the public: There is limited seating available in an adjacent room, Room 107, where the 3 p.m. event will be available for viewing via compressed video. Those wishing to reserve a seat in the room should RSVP to 775-682-5665. Free parking will be available in the metered lot and in the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex west of the Knowledge Center. There will also be a recorded copy of the discussion available on the Special Collections website within two weeks after the event.
