Laxalt declined to run for a second term and was elected to the United States Senate in 1974. He was sworn in early to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Alan Bible. Laxalt was reelected in 1980. Laxalt was a staunch proponent of the [[Reagan administration]] and a key figure in debates over tax cuts, defense spending, and [[Supreme Court]] nominations. He served as General Chairman of the Republican Party from 1983-1987, and after a brief run for the Republican nomination for President in 1988 was elected chairman of the [[Republican National Committee]]. After leaving politics he practiced law in Washington, D.C. | Laxalt declined to run for a second term and was elected to the United States Senate in 1974. He was sworn in early to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Alan Bible. Laxalt was reelected in 1980. Laxalt was a staunch proponent of the [[Reagan administration]] and a key figure in debates over tax cuts, defense spending, and [[Supreme Court]] nominations. He served as General Chairman of the Republican Party from 1983-1987, and after a brief run for the Republican nomination for President in 1988 was elected chairman of the [[Republican National Committee]]. After leaving politics he practiced law in Washington, D.C. |