Protectors of the State – A Conversation with Three Former Governors

Date: April 25, 2013

Time: 6:30 PM

Cost: $15 for members and $20 for non-members and include a complimentary libation and light fare

On Thursday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m., The Mob Museum, The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, will host “Protectors of the State – A Conversation with Three Former Governors,” in its historic courtroom. Featuring a panel discussion with former Nevada Governors Bob List, Senator Richard Bryan and Bob Miller, the event will be moderated by journalist and author Jack Sheehan. This Courtroom Conversation’s discussion is part of the Museum’s ongoing commitment to presenting informative and thought-provoking programming to the community. The event is brought to the Museum through generous contributions from Mike Sloan, Rogich Communications Group and Robin and Danny Greenspun.

Beyond its borders, perceptions of Nevada have been challenged because of its libertarian social norms, times of economic hardship, and the presence of organized crime. “Protectors of the State” will feature three of Nevada’s great leaders who navigated tumultuous waters while continuing to modernize the State and defend its image to the outside. In addition, the discussion will include stories from Gov. Miller’s recently released book, “Son of a Gambling Man.” A book signing with Gov. Miller will follow the discussion.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. with a reception including light fare and refreshments. The program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. in The Mob Museum’s historic courtroom. Following the moderator-led discussion among the panel, audience members will have a chance to ask questions. The program will conclude by 8 p.m. and will be followed by Gov. Miller’s book signing.

Featured Speakers

Bob List  

Bob List

Bob List served as the 24th Governor of Nevada from 1979 to 1983. Previously, he served as the Carson City District Attorney and the Nevada Attorney General. Currently, List practices law in Las Vegas with the law firm Kolesar & Leatham, Chtd. He was the last Governor to serve from outside Clark County until Jim Gibbons’ election.

Senator Richard Bryan  

Senator Richard Bryan

A native Nevadan, Senator Richard Bryan won his first statewide election as Nevada’s Attorney General where he played a major role in successfully defending Nevada’s gaming regulatory structure in the Federal Courts. In 1982, he was elected to the first of two terms as Governor. In 1988 he was elected to the first of two terms in the U.S. Senate. He was the only Senate member to simultaneously serve on these U.S. Senate Committees: Finance; Commerce, Science and Transportation; and Banks, Housing and Urban Affairs.

Bob Miller  

Bob Miller

When Bob Miller arrived in Las Vegas as a boy, it was a small, dusty city—a far cry from the glamorous, exciting place it is today. His father, Ross Miller, had operated on both sides of the law on some of the meaner streets of industrial Chicago, and brought his family to Las Vegas so he could create a legitimate career out of gaming. As Bob grew up, so did Vegas; the city’s population doubled every decade during the 1900’s and Las Vegas was now a “town” of some two million. He went on to become Nevada’s longest serving governor, holding office from 1989 to 1999. Bob’s new book, “Son of a Gambling Man,” is a warm family memoir, with just a little bit of The Godfather and Casino thrown in for spice, making it a unique and memorable story.