Ian McGibboney, Anjeanette Damon, and Seth A. Richardson

Reno Gazette-Journal

Gov. Brian Sandoval said on Wednesday that he supports efforts to lure the Oakland Raiders to Las Vegas and plans to call a special session of the Legislature "as soon as can be practicably accomplished."

"It is my intention to begin a special session no earlier than Friday, October 7 and no later than Thursday, October 13, pending conversations with legislative leadership," Sandoval said in a written statement issued Wednesday evening. "The formal proclamation detailing the agenda will not be made until a later date."

The governor said in the statement that this will give the Washoe and Clark County commissions time to fill vacancies beforehand.

"The appointments to fill legislative vacancies by the Washoe and Clark County Commissions will not occur until the last week of September and first week of October, respectively. I feel strongly that any newly appointed or current legislators should be given enough time to review the recommendations and conduct their own due diligence and to allow for ample time to prepare," Sandoval said in the statement.

Washoe Commission postpones meeting to fill legislative vacancies ahead of Raiders session

With somewhat surprising uniformity, Washoe County Commissioners announced their finalists for each of the three vacancies in Northern Nevada.

For Senate District 13, left vacant by the late Sen. Debbie Smith, all five commissioners recommended Sparks Councilwoman Julia Ratti, who is already running for the seat. For Senate District 15, left vacant by Sen. Greg Brower, four commissioners recommended Reno developer Jesse Haw. Only Commissioner Jeanne Herman recommended Tom Taber for SD 15.

For Assembly District 25, the commissioners were more split. But Reno real estate agent Dominic Brunetti still earned three recommendations. Commissioner Martha Berkbigler recommended Jim Nadeau, a lobbyist and former sheriff's captain; while Herman recommended former Washoe County Undersheriff Todd Vinger.

Haw also is president of the Reno-Tahoe Open foundation. He replaced the father of one of the stadium's chief lobbyists in that position.

That lobbyist, John Sande, also has connections to Brunetti. The two played football together at Stanford University and remain friends.

A total of 28 candidates submitted their names for consideration. Ten were not eligible.

County commissions in the Reno and Las Vegas areas plan to meet next week to fill five vacancies in the Nevada Legislature. Raising hotel taxes would require two-thirds support among the 63 state lawmakers.

Sandoval also said that he recently met with Raiders owner Mark Davis, who "was committed and resolute in the team’s interest in relocating to our state."

The Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee last week recommended raising hotel taxes in the Las Vegas area to help put $750 million toward a 65,000-seat stadium. Las Vegas Sands casino magnate Sheldon Adelson plans to put $650 million toward the venue, which is projected to cost nearly $2 billion.

"I am convinced that, given the circumstances and timing with regard to public safety, the Convention Center, and the NFL, there is an opportunity to significantly improve the tourism infrastructure of Southern Nevada – already the best the in the world," Sandoval said.

Three-quarters of NFL owners would need to approve any team relocation, and they could do so when they meet in January. Officials in Oakland, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, said they're hopeful the team can stay in the Bay Area.

"You never want to see a community lose their franchise once, much less twice," Goodell said Sunday. "I think we can do it in Oakland. I think there's a solution there, but it takes the community to help identify it."

Opposition from lawmakers has been few and far between. However, several grassroots organizations like Battle Born Progress and the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada all oppose the plan, as does the powerful Culinary Union Local 226 in Las Vegas.

Northern lawmakers have expressed hesitancy regarding the massive public contribution. Several were also critical of how quickly the process is moving given the general election is less than 50 days away, feeling appropriate time isn’t being given to vet the plan.

Partisan votes won’t get the package passed since two-thirds of both chambers are needed for approval. Republicans control both the Assembly and the Senate, but do not have a supermajority and will need Democrats to reach the necessary total.

The session will also come at an awkward time for Democrats given billionaire Sheldon Adelson’s involvement in the project. Reports surfaced Monday that Adelson and his wife Miriam will spend at least $45 million helping Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and downballot Republicans. Democrats will have to decide whether or not to back public funding for a man actively working against them one month before the election.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

FULL STATEMENT BY GOV. BRIAN SANDOVAL ON SNTIC RECOMMENDATIONS AND SPECIAL SESSION TIMING:

“In July 2015, I convened the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee in order to address the challenges unique to Clark County’s tourism industry and provide recommendations on maintaining our rightful position as the top entertainment, convention, and tourism destination in the world. For more than a year, the committee has conducted 16 public meetings to examine ideas and proposals. Last week, I received the Committee’s recommendations, all related to the infrastructure and related public safety needs of Las Vegas.

“After receiving the recommendations on Friday, I have thoroughly reviewed the committee’s documents and I am comfortable with the recommendations related to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority expansion, additional support for law enforcement, and the development of a county-owned stadium that could host a National Football League franchise and be the home of University of Nevada, Las Vegas football. I am convinced that, given the circumstances and timing with regard to public safety, the Convention Center, and the NFL, there is an opportunity to significantly improve the tourism infrastructure of Southern Nevada – already the best the in the world.

“Based on the current environment, I believe a special session of the Legislature is warranted and should be called as soon as can be practicably accomplished. The appointments to fill legislative vacancies by the Washoe and Clark County Commissions will not occur until the last week of September and first week of October, respectively. I feel strongly that any newly appointed or current legislators should be given enough time to review the recommendations and conduct their own due diligence and to allow for ample time to prepare for a special session of the Nevada Legislature. That is why it is my intention to begin a special session no earlier than Friday, October 7 and no later than Thursday, October 13, pending conversations with legislative leadership. The formal proclamation detailing the agenda will not be made until a later date.

“I have twice called special sessions to diversify Nevada’s economy and create new jobs in emerging industries. Just as I have met with the top leaders prior to those announcements, this week I met with the owner of the Raiders, Mark Davis. He was committed and resolute in the team’s interest in relocating to our state. I have also spoken with Clark County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Joe Lombardo, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Rossi Ralenkotter, and gaming and labor leaders.

“We have before us the opportunity to invest in Nevada’s most foundational industry, tourism, by providing for the infrastructure and public safety needs of the 21st century. We can and must usher in a new era for tourism in the Las Vegas market, while keeping our citizens and visitors safe, and ensuring our position as the global leader in entertainment and hospitality.”