Paul Laxalt, a legendary Nevadan, has died at 96. The son of Basque sheepherders who rose to lead Nevada as governor and as a U.S. senator, Laxalt left an indelible mark on the state. He was a close friend of President Ronald Reagan, and a leader who shaped a new era of gaming in Nevada. "Decent, genuine, honest, humble and kind" were descriptions used by those around him, said his grandson, state Attorney General Adam Laxalt. Laxalt also shaped Republican politics on the national level. He died in Virginia, with family at his side.
