Bingham ends bid to be LV mayor

Erin Neff

Tuesday, March 9, 1999 | 11:15 a.m.

Leading candidate Jay Bingham's sudden withdrawal from the Las Vegas mayoral race for health reasons has left the remaining field scrambling to woo the former front-runner's supporters and cash.

In a written statement released Monday after calls from the media had shocked his unaware campaign headquarters, Bingham expressed regret at his decision to bow out on his doctor's advice.

"To all my supporters -- I'm deeply sorry," he said. "I feel I've let people down, but I can't serve if I don't have my health.

"I thought I was completely over this, but it's obvious I'm not," Bingham's statement read. "I've been assured I can make a full recovery, but right now the rigors of the campaign and taking over the mayor's job are just not in the picture."

The 45-year-old former Clark County Commission chairman was out of state receiving medical treatment and was unavailable for comment. His campaign spokeswoman, Terry Murphy, said it was a difficult decision for Bingham to make.

"Jay has a long, however dormant, heart condition that has flared up in the past week or so," Murphy said. "He thought it wasn't going to be a factor, but his doctor has advised him to stop campaigning."

Bingham's departure sent waves of shocked surprise and quiet anticipation through the remaining nine mayoral hopefuls.

Summerlin developer Mark Fine said his first concerns turned to Bingham.

"I would do the same thing if it happened to me," said Fine, 53, who filed his candidacy Friday. "It's more important that he's around to raise his children than to be mayor."

Criminal defense attorney Oscar Goodman, 59, who also filed Friday, said he was devastated by the news.

"I was really looking forward to a good, clean campaign against Jay," Goodman said. "It's very disturbing news to me. I'm sick over it."

City Councilman Arnie Adamsen, 49, said the first thing he did when he heard Bingham was withdrawing was to say a prayer for Bingham and his family.

"He's a friend, a gentleman and a scholar," Adamsen said. "Your family and your health come first."

Still, all three of the major candidates said they would study how the front-runner's departure would affect them.

"Needless to say, Jay had a very strong political base," Fine said. "It takes a little bit of the excitement out of the race."

Adamsen said Bingham's departure would make the race "more interesting."

"I'm not going to be so egotistical as to try to anoint myself the front-runner," Adamsen said. "My fund-raising has been going very well. If (Bingham's departure) helps, great."

Bingham began his public campaign several weeks ago with full-page newspaper advertisements, roadway signs and glossy literature proclaiming him "A Mayor You Can Count On."

A former North Las Vegas city councilman, firefighter and rodeo rider, Bingham stressed his diverse experience and family values. His wife, Fran, joined him at a rally Feb. 23 when he filed for election. Their children, Erica, Tara, Ashlee, Cortney and Jacob, pose with them on campaign literature.

Already Bingham had been amassing support from law enforcement, local elected officials and Gov. Kenny Guinn.

"I wish him godspeed and I hope that those who were so strongly behind him will give me consideration now," Goodman said.

For his part, Bingham does not plan to endorse anyone.

"The people should decide," Bingham's statement read.

Bingham said he would refuse any new donations and send back all donations already contributed.

"Again, this is not life-threatening, but it is serious enough for me to stop the campaign," Bingham said. "I'm heartbroken over this decision."