Mayor caught in middle of House race

Erin Neff

Friday, Oct. 19, 2001 | 10:13 a.m.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is not just the highest-profile politician in Southern Nevada, he's also the most popular.

So, whether hizzoner cuts a ribbon at a new business, mugs with a doting tourist for a camera or shakes hands with another pol -- he's a wanted man.

That is putting him in a pickle when it comes to Nevada's 1st Congressional District.

City Council colleague Lynette Boggs McDonald is challenging Democratic incumbent Shelley Berkley, a friend who Goodman has called the "best congresswoman."

Since his endorsement carries more than the usual weight with voters, both women would love him in their camp. So what's a popular Populist to do?

"As mayor of Las Vegas, I'm going to remain neutral," Goodman said at his weekly press conference Thursday.

But apparently that doesn't mean he'll stay out of what is expected to be the closest local congressional race -- and one likely to receive national attention as Boggs McDonald tries to become the first black Republican congresswoman in history.

When pressed, Goodman said: "I am a registered Democrat, and as a Democrat I certainly will support the Democratic candidate."

So while Boggs McDonald may be able to use a photo of herself and Goodman in a mailer, Berkley would likely get his endorsement if she asks.

"Let me put it this way," Goodman said, realizing his first comments could be labeled a waffle. "If Lynette Boggs McDonald asks me to go to an event, and she's asked me to do that, I will be there. I'm the mayor.

"When Shelley asks me to an event, I will be there," he added. "I'm a Democrat."

Although Goodman stressed that his non-partisan office has given him the ability to deal with members of both parties, politics does not normally allow someone to have it both ways.

Goodman went to bat for Boggs McDonald when she sought appointment to the City Council in 1999 for the seat vacated by Arnie Adamson -- the man who lost the mayor's race to Goodman.

But Goodman is a personal friend of Berkley and a politician who was begged by Democrats to run for governor.

Voters will have until next November to make up their minds about Berkley and Boggs McDonald. Goodman may never come to a concrete decision that he is willing to air publicly, but he'll likely push the button by Berkley's name.