Richard Bryan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Bryan
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| Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee | |
| In office January 3, 1993 – January 3, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Terry Sanford |
| Succeeded by | Mitch McConnell |
| United States Senator from Nevada |
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| In office January 3, 1989 – January 3, 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Chic Hecht |
| Succeeded by | John Ensign |
| 25th Governor of Nevada | |
| In office January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1989 |
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| Lieutenant | Bob Cashell Bob Miller |
| Preceded by | Robert List |
| Succeeded by | Bob Miller |
| 27th Attorney General of Nevada | |
| In office January 1, 1979 – January 3, 1983 |
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| Governor | Robert List |
| Preceded by | Robert List |
| Succeeded by | Brian McKay |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard Hudson Bryan
July 16, 1937 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Bonnie Fairchild
(m. 1962; died 2016) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Nevada, Reno (BA) University of California, Hastings (JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1959–1960 |
Richard Hudson Bryan (born July 16, 1937) is a retired American politician and lawyer. He served as the 25th Governor of Nevada from 1983 to 1989. After that, he became a U.S. Senator for Nevada, serving from 1989 to 2001. Bryan is a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming governor and senator, he was Nevada's Attorney General and a member of the State Senate.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Richard Bryan was born in Washington, D.C., on July 16, 1937. He went to the University of Nevada in Reno, and graduated in 1959. Later, he earned his law degree, called a J.D., from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
In 1963, Bryan became a licensed lawyer in Nevada. He started his career helping people who couldn't afford a lawyer. He was the very first public defender in Clark County.
Political Career in Nevada
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Richard Bryan began his political journey in the Nevada Senate, where he served from 1972 to 1978. As a state senator, he helped make laws for Nevada.
In 1979, Bryan became the Nevada Attorney General. This job involves being the chief legal officer for the state. He held this position until 1983.
Governor of Nevada
In 1982, Bryan decided to run for Governor of Nevada. He won the election and became governor in January 1983. As governor, he was the chief executive of the state. He was easily reelected for a second term in 1986.
Serving in the U.S. Senate
In 1987, many important politicians encouraged Richard Bryan to run for the U.S. Senate. He announced his plans to run and won the election in 1988. He became a U.S. Senator on January 3, 1989.
As a U.S. Senator, Bryan represented the state of Nevada in the national government. He worked on important committees, including those focused on money (Finance), banks (Banking), intelligence, and transportation (Commerce).
Key Issues and Decisions
Senator Bryan had strong opinions on several topics. He was against the Search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) program. This program used special equipment to listen for signs of life from outer space. Bryan believed the money could be better spent elsewhere. He helped stop government funding for these efforts in 1994.
Another major issue for Senator Bryan was preventing Yucca Mountain in Nevada from becoming a long-term storage site for nuclear waste. Nuclear waste is dangerous material left over from nuclear power plants. Even though the site was planned during his time, his strong opposition helped delay any actual storage from happening. He continued to fight against it even after he retired.
Bryan decided not to run for a third term in the Senate in 2000. He retired from public office after serving Nevada for many years.
