The process for selecting a successor to State Senator Bill Raggio has been set with four candidates stepping forward and more perhaps waiting in the wings.

The Washoe County Commission voted Tuesday morning to set a deadline of Friday 5 p.m. for applications to be received. Candidates can indicate their interest in writing by email, post or submitting it in person to the county manager's office by that time.

The law sets only two criteria for applicants--that they live within Washoe Senate District 3 and be a registered Republican. They may submit resumes and other material along with their application though it's not required.

Candidates will be interviewed in the commission chambers next Tuesday, the 18th, beginning at 9 a.m.

The commission will make its decision by the end of the day. All portions of the process are open to the public.

Raggio, a 38 year veteran of the Senate and widely viewed as its most influential member for decades, announced his resignation last week citing health reasons.

There were four potential candidates in the audience today listening to the commission's discussion: former Assemblywoman and state Treasurer Patty Cafferata, former Commissioner Jim Galloway, former Reno City Councilwoman Toni Harsh and former school board member Kevin Christensen.

Commissioner Bonnie Weber announced that her husband, Mike, is considering making a bid. She stepped down during the discussion.

The upcoming session of the legislature promises to be a difficult one with the state facing a huge budget shortfall and reapportionment.