Last week, the tone of the Nevada legislature shifted markedly toward more strident partisan words over proposed cuts to education. And the session on Tuesday April 19 stretched into a late night bickering session between Democrats and Republicans. The Democratic majority voted down Governor Brian Sandoval's budget.

As Las Vegas Sun columnist Patrick Coolican sees it, this is the beginning of a new era in Nevada politics. Gone are the days of the backroom compromise, where Democrat and Republican leaders cut deals behind closed doors. And while it makes for more strident state politics, Coolican welcomes a more open debate.

Patrick Coolican joins us to discuss his column, alongside Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist Steve Sebelius.