"A person should earn their stripes again," Brown said. "If the opportunity came, I'd take it. But I believe strongly in the process and would be willing to accept any position that was offered."

One of the biggest changes for Brown would be the fact that Republicans currently hold, and will most likely continue to hold, a veto-proof majority in the House. That larger body actually makes it more difficult to get things done, however, especially if the Republicans remain fractured into multiple caucuses.

"One of the problems that exists is that it's very divisive," Brown said. "We need unification within the party. . . . I'd like to be a team player, to help the body be effective."

Garn, a millionaire through his record/CD chain-store operations, and Brown got together, however, in a business deal when both were out of office. They and other investors obtained a waste permit for the western desert several years ago, selling it for a sizable profit to a firm that is now developing a landfill.

Garn was in the House during the 1990s when Brown was one of the informal leaders of the so-called Cowboy Caucus, a group of rural-thinking conservatives who, for a while, held considerable power in the 75-member House.

A moderate GOP caucus was formed and within years had blocked a number of the Cowboy Caucus initiatives. Learning from that painful split within the House Republicans, Garn said if he returns to the House he won't try to form or lead an internal caucus.

"I found (split-off caucuses) counterproductive," Garn said. "The work in the House should be in the majority (Republican) caucus as a whole."

Is the Legislature different these days? Yes, Garn said.

"I think the House should become a kinder, gentler body. When people come up to testify or talk with legislators, they should be made to feel welcome. Maybe it is stress — tougher decisions — but in looking from the outside," civility is lacking, Garn said.

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E-mail: bbjr@desnews.com; jloftin@desnews.com