Laxalt Won’t Run Again, Raising Hopes of Democrats to Regain Control of Senate

Sen. Paul Laxalt (R-Nev.), whose close friendship with President Reagan has made him one of the most influential Republicans in Congress, announced Monday that he will not seek reelection in 1986--raising the Democrats’ hopes of regaining control of the Senate.

Laxalt, 63, the son of an immigrant Basque sheepherder, disclosed his decision at a news conference in Carson City, Nev., after talking it over with Reagan by telephone Sunday.

The two-term senator said he is bowing out for personal reasons. But he said he will continue to serve the President as general chairman of the Republican Party through 1988 and perhaps would accept an assignment as a White House trouble-shooter or a special ambassador.

Reagan ‘Disappointed’

Reagan “was deeply disappointed but he understood--that’s what friendship is all about,” Laxalt said. The President later issued a statement saying: “His friendship and support have been invaluable to me over the years. I will continue to rely on his advice and counsel in the years ahead.”

With 22 Republican seats up for election in 1986, Laxalt’s decision was seen as a devastating blow to the efforts of GOP leaders to maintain their slim 53-47 Senate majority. Until now, Laxalt had been expected to win reelection easily, but with his retirement the Nevada race is expected to be wide open.

As a result of Laxalt’s decision, the Democratic Party will invest its full resources in Nevada as a potential key state for victory in 1986, said Sen. George J. Mitchell (D-Me.), chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

‘A New Ball Game’

“As of today, this Senate race is a new ball game,” Mitchell said. “We will do all we can to send a Nevada Democrat to the U.S. Senate. Sen. Laxalt’s retirement announcement today must add to the Republicans’ continuing fears of losing control of the Senate. If the general chairman of their party declines to seek reelection, the Republicans must know their slim majority is quickly slipping away.”

Similarly, Paul G. Kirk Jr., Democratic National Committee chairman, described it as a “major boost” to the party’s prospects for regaining control of the Senate.

“Our chances of making that net gain of four (seats) get better every day,” he said.

Republicans also acknowledged that Laxalt’s decision would give Democrats a better chance to win in Nevada.

Seat Is ‘Up for Grabs’

“The seat is now up for grabs,” said Chris Kennedy, spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “We’re disappointed, but we’re not discouraged.”

Potential contenders for Laxalt’s Senate seat include Rep. Barbara F. Vucanovich (R-Nev.), Republican state Atty. Gen. Bryan McKay, Rep. Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) and former Rep. Jim Santini (D-Nev.). Reid, a two-term congressman who came within 624 votes of beating Laxalt for the Senate seat in 1974, is considered the leading contender.

Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., chairman of the Republican National Committee and a Nevadan himself, strongly denied rumors that he might run for the position.

“I have no desire to be a United States senator,” he said.

Met With Laxalt

Fahrenkopf said he and Republican pollster Richard B. Wirthlin spent two days last week with Laxalt at the senator’s rustic retreat in the mountains above Lake Tahoe, trying to persuade him to seek reelection. “I was a strong advocate,” he said.

According to Fahrenkopf, Wirthlin showed Laxalt polling data indicating that any other Republican would have trouble holding on to the Nevada Senate seat. He said the same polls show that Laxalt has 99% name recognition in the state and a 73% approval rating.

Friends insisted that Laxalt’s decision had nothing to do with a $250-million libel battle between the senator and the McClatchy Newspapers chain over a story alleging ties between Laxalt and organized crime figures.

Cites His ‘Basque Spirit’

“I’ve paid my dues,” said Laxalt, who previously served as governor of Nevada. “The time has come. My independent Basque spirit cries for more freedom. Simply put, I’m at a point in my life when I’d dearly love to spend more time with my children and grandchildren.”

Reagan and Laxalt met when they were both supporting Sen. Barry Goldwater’s 1964 presidential campaign, and their friendship flourished beginning in 1966, when they served as governors of adjoining states. Laxalt was chairman of Reagan’s 1976 and 1980 presidential campaigns.