Page "Paul Laxalt" Paragraph 21

Laxalt had become close friends with Ronald Reagan during his time as governor, when Reagan was also in his first term as governor of neighboring California.

They worked on many issues of mutual interest to the two states, principally those dealing with the preservation of Lake Tahoe.

During Reagan's presidency, Senator Laxalt was sometimes referred to as " The First Friend ".

Laxalt was national chairman of three Reagan presidential campaigns and placed Reagan's name in nomination at the Republican National Conventions of 1976, 1980 and 1984.

During the 1980 Republican National Convention, Laxalt's name was floated as a potential Vice Presidential nominee for the Reagan ticket, but George H. W.

Bush was chosen instead.

At the behest of President Reagan, Laxalt served in the then-unprecedented role of General Chairman of the Republican Party from 1983 – 1987.

In early 1987 he was at the top of the short list to replace Donald Regan as White House chief of staff, but he declined because he intended to run for President in 1988.

Instead, he recommended former U. S. Senate Majority Leader Majority Howard Baker, who took the job.