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Leila Navidi / Las Vegas Sun
Mayor Oscar Goodman laughs as he gives back microphones to television news reporters. Goodman announced he will not be running for governor of Nevada during a press conference inside his office in downtown Las Vegas Monday, Jan. 25, 2010.
By Michael Mishak , Dave Toplikar (contact) 
Published Monday, Jan. 25, 2010 | 12:40 p.m.
Updated Monday, Jan. 25, 2010 | 3:08 p.m.
Sun Coverage
- Decision-making publicity suits Goodman just fine (12-20-2009)
- Las Vegas mayor still eyeing a run for governor (12-17-2009)
- Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman still considering bid for governor (12-10-2009)
- Las Vegas mayor still mulling over running for governor (11-5-2009)
Sun Coverage
Ending months of speculation, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman announced today that he will not run for governor and will instead focus on promoting the city and improving its economy.
“It has been a great ride and I have 15 more months on this ride,” he said of the time left in his third and final term as mayor. “I’m going to keep myself busy for the next 15 months.”
Goodman, who has been telling the media for about six months that he is considering a run for governor, announced his decision at a press conference this afternoon in his 10th floor City Hall office.
The mayor reached his decision last night, he said. Today, a group of volunteers were to begin collecting signatures to place Goodman on the ballot and he said he couldn’t send them out knowing that he wasn’t going to run.
Goodman’s wife, Carolyn, played a major role in his decision, he said. Carolyn would not have moved to Carson City had he become governor.
“I would relish the race. But if elected I wouldn’t serve,” he said. “That’s what it came down to.”
He called his decision “irrevocable.”
Goodman and his wife changed their party affiliations from Democrat to non-partisan on Dec. 15, in a move some read as a signal that he was leaning toward a run for governor as an independent.
“I seriously considered the run to the point where changing my registration was making a statement as to my dissatisfaction to the way the two-party system was working,” Goodman said. “But I got to thinking what was important to my life. I love Las Vegas. This is my town. These are my people. They’ve treated me like a king, like a rock star.”
Goodman didn’t endorse any candidate in the field for governor. Nor did he name any of the candidates. He said he would endorse “whoever is going to protect the city of Las Vegas” and not take away any of the tax revenue used to assist downtown redevelopment projects.
“I wish whomever is the governor great success -- tey have a horrendous task and I don’t envy them,” he said. “I feel good about my decision. I feel like there’s a weight off my back.”
About time the press covers GOOD NEWS !!
Does this mean Oscar plans to support Carolyn Goodman during her tenure as Mayor of Las Vegas?
Oscar Goodman. I don't like him at all, but I don't exactly dislike him. What a strange man.
sun staff...PLEASE block regco100's account. it's the same nonsense on every story, every day. he's ruining the "give and take" of this comment concept.
Comment removed by moderator. Comment included name calling.
He would have been better than Reid, jr but both men will have to carry the heavy baggage of fiscal incompetence during the race.
If the Democrats were not drunk on the koolaid then they would convince Reid, jr to drop out and then find a fair skin non-negro dialect speaking moderate businessman to run.
But they can't stop drinking the koolaid which is very good for the Republicans.
sgt rock, thank you, that was the funniest thing i read all day. Goodman will back wolfson to b the next mayor. the grooming has already begun. Wolfson is a lying, crooked Piece of $hit. Just say no.
Good for you Oscar...you've done a nice job. Now, maybe someday we will see your major league sports stadium somewhere downtown or on the strip and you will be named Clark County Commissioner of Sports like the Commissioner of MLB or the NFL...
You'd be perfect for the job. I also hope any new sports stadium or arena is named The Oscar Goodman Athletic and Sports Colliseum of Southern Nevada. Good luck Oscar.
Photos of Oscar without the showgirls?
Oscar if your reading this, pay the idiots who are critical of you no mind! Your a legend, Las Vegas Icon, and did more to promote this city than any of our previous Mayors. Enjoy the next fifteen months, and you might want to hold off on the Sports Arena and City Hall projects until things turn around here!! We love ya Oscar!
In my opinion, the new City Hall will be named the Oscar Goodman MEMORIAL City Hall, because when the bill comes due in 2014, and the City is broke, Oscar won't be quite as revered as he is today.
Except by Steve Ross and his Union laid off loafers..
Governor ??? Ya right, the guy's a clown !!
Thank goodness!!!