Brown decides against state run

Erin Neff

Wednesday, May 1, 2002 | 9:32 a.m.

The four hours Las Vegas Councilman Larry Brown spent Monday at a UMC Quick Care with his injured son gave him plenty of time to think.

And while the state's medical crises came to light as he pondered a run for lieutenant governor, Brown decided his son's broken foot highlighted family commitments even more.

"I'm not running," Brown announced Tuesday. "My priority is my family. We've made tremendous sacrifices as a family over the past five years."

Brown, who is married with three school-age children, was first elected to the City Council in 1997 and was unchallenged in his 2001 re-election bid.

"We feel very strongly that the quality time is something we really need to experience right now," Brown said.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., asked Brown early last week to consider running against Republican incumbent Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt.

"He felt I could raise money and be competitive," Brown said. "It was wonderful that he put my name into the ring."

Brown said that were it not for his family priorities, he would have gladly taken Hunt on. He said he believed he could raise the money and pose a serious challenge to the former Clark County commissioner.

However, he also noted the position's demands -- including presiding over the state Senate during the 120-day legislative session every other year and traveling statewide and nationwide to promote tourism and business development.

Brown said he hoped a Democrat comes forward during the May 6 to 20 filing period for major party candidates.

State Democratic Chairman Terry Care said Tuesday he has not heard from any potential candidates.