Goodman could be special prosecutor

Thursday, Nov. 11, 2004 | 11:18 a.m.

Oscar Goodman -- mob lawyer, Las Vegas mayor -- special prosecutor?

Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, said Wednesday that was possible, but after seeing reports about Perkins' statements, Goodman this morning ruled it out.

"I'm an old defense attorney," Goodman said. "Besides, I don't have the time." Perkins had consulted with Goodman about the impeachment of state Controller Kathy Augustine, which started Wednesday, on charges of impropriety in office.

In that conversation, the possibility of Goodman as a special prosecutor came up.

"I sought him out for some advice and it came up in the course of the conservation (about the special prosecutor). I don't remember who brought it up. I might have brought it up," Perkins said. "I got the sense that if asked he would certainly serve (as special prosecutor)."

Perkins consulted Goodman because Goodman unsuccessfully defended former federal Judge Harry Claiborne in the U.S. Senate during Claiborne's impeachment trial in 1986.

"It was intriguing to me because he certainly has the credentials," said Perkins "He has been through this once before and his legal skills have always been legendary.

"He knows how to deal with kind of situation."

Goodman said that he had met with Perkins about a month ago but would not discuss details of the conversation.

Asked if he would serve as special prosecutor in the case if asked, Goodman said "I'm not going to do it."