Mayor to announce he won’t run for governor

Erin Neff

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2001 | 10:55 a.m.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman will announce today that he will not run for governor.

Months of prodding from Democratic officials did not lure Goodman into a race against Republican incumbent Kenny Guinn.

Goodman was expected to make his announcement at a news conference at City Hall.

For months Goodman has said that while the encouraging talk of those who wanted him to run was flattering, he still has lots of work to do to revitalize downtown Las Vegas in the remaining two years of his mayoral term.

On Monday state Sen. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas, said she would likely seek re-election to her post, because she doubted Goodman would run for governor. She had previously talked of running for lieutenant governor on a ticket led by Goodman.

Although Goodman had been leaning against running for governor, his decision was finalized in the wake of the terrorist attacks. The economic downturn that has resulted in Las Vegas has presented more challenges to downtown revitalization.

Last week, a visibly frustrated Goodman privately said the terrorist attacks had set some downtown redevelopment projects on their heels.

Meanwhile Guinn has already put in place his re-election team, headed by former chief of staff and former legislator Pete Ernaut. Guinn is a formidable fund-raiser with support from both the gaming and mining industries.

In recent weeks Guinn has also received unprecedented bipartisan support for his actions in the wake of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. In a Sept. 27 speech to the state, Guinn implemented short-term restrictions on state hiring, construction and travel to save money.

He also encouraged lending institutions to assist those laid off from casino jobs, and he added more workers to the state's unemployment assistance office.

Guinn's handling of the economic crisis and his immediate moves to bolster security brought him praise from state Democrats and Republicans.

Goodman, when previously asked about a bid for the governor's mansion, has maintained he is the world's "happiest mayor" and has work to do downtown.