Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Las Vegas mayor still mulling over running for governor

Oscar Goodman sounds more interested in running an independent candidate

Oscar Goodman

Oscar Goodman

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said today he's still "just thinking" about running for governor next year.

"I'm trying to figure out for myself whether or not I want to give up the pleasure of being the mayor of Las Vegas ... or the wonderful things I believe are happening in contrast to getting involved in a heated race," Goodman said this morning.

"All I can tell you is that it's on my mind but I'm not spending any sleepless nights over it," Goodman told reporters at his regular weekly press conference at City Hall.

But he indicated that if he did enter the race, he's more likely to run as an independent and not under the Democratic Party's banner.

The governor first stated back in June he was considering the Nov. 2, 2010, race. The issue was raised by Las Vegas Sun reporter Sam Skolnik, who observed that "time's ticking away" for Goodman to make a decision.

"Not really," Goodman said. "If I was to run as a Democrat, it gets a little tighter than if I were to run as a non-partisan. But as a partisan, I would have to get myself in position to run in December ... So time is not really ticking away."

Goodman was referring to the prospect of running a primary contest against Democrat Rory Reid, the Clark County Commission chairman, who announced his candidacy Oct. 14.

"Right now, I've got so much on my plate as the mayor, I'm enjoying each and every second," Goodman said.

The Republican field consists of incumbent Gov. Jim Gibbons, former U.S. District Judge Brian Sandoval and former North Las Vegas Mayor Mike Montandon.

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