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Published Wednesday, May 11, 2011 | 3:33 p.m.
Updated Wednesday, May 11, 2011 | 5:19 p.m.
Chris Giunchigliani
Carolyn Goodman
Is the tide turning for Carolyn Goodman?
Goodman has been the front-runner in the Las Vegas mayoral race since she announced her candidacy in February. But a poll released Tuesday showed her in a dead heat with opponent Chris Giunchigliani.
Giunchigliani trailed Goodman by only 2 percentage points, according to the poll conducted earlier this month by the Beneson Strategy Group.
The survey showed Goodman receiving 45 percent of the vote and Giunchigliani receiving 43 percent. Goodman enjoyed a 20-point lead after last month's primary.
The Goodman campaign questioned the accuracy of the poll and the size of the sample. Giunchigliani's campaign pointed out that the Beneson Group accurately predicted the results of the primary, within the margin of error.
The poll was first reported by Las Vegas Sun columnist Jon Ralston moments after Goodman finished speaking at a luncheon for members of Lambda, Las Vegas' gay, lesbian and transgender chamber of commerce.
The Goodman campaign released its own poll Tuesday in response to the Giunchigliani poll. It showed Goodman leading Guinchigliani 53-31, with about 16 percent of voters undecided. That poll was conducted by Magellan Research and surveyed a group three times larger than Guinchigliani's did.
Goodman struggled at the Wednesday event. She flip-flopped on her position on gay marriage. At first, she said she supported domestic partnerships. Then she suggested that if she were gay, she'd go to a state where same-sex marriages are legal.
A few moments later, she said about domestic partnerships: "(With) my religious beliefs and my own personal way I live my life, I am not in favor of that."
Goodman's campaign manager Bradley Mayer said afterward Goodman does support domestic partnerships.
Goodman also referred to homosexuality as a choice rather than an innate quality, referring to "individuals who prefer a gay or lesbian lifestyle." Many in the audience of more than 100 scoffed at her characterization.
Goodman also received a less-than-favorable reaction when she described people as "transvestites" rather than "transgender." Several people gasped.
Moderator Steve Friess, a freelance writer and blogger, tried several times to push Goodman to answer questions definitively. He didn't have much luck.
Goodman could not say which government departments she would eliminate or consolidate. She previously has advocated for smaller government.
"I can't tell you that," she said. "I'm not in the city (government)."
When asked what LGBT events she has participated in since the primary, Goodman said: "I can't give you specifics since I didn't have the question ahead of time."
Mayer said afterward that Goodman participated in an event with Frank Marino, a Las Vegas female impersonator, and attended a fundraiser her neighbors hosted for her and several members of the gay community.
Giunchigliani also spoke at the Lambda event. (Goodman left half way through her presentation.)
Giunchigliani said she supports gay marriage and pushed to allow it in the state Legislature.
She stressed her commitment to the gay community and named several LGBT events she has participated in for years.
She mentioned the recent AFAN AIDS Walk in Las Vegas as an example.
"I walked the whole thing. I didn't just pay $25 and walk part of it," she said.
Goodman is an airhead.
She did not know what the Dream Act is.
She claimed Teach for America is a gateway to citizenship -- never was.
But she claims to be some sort of educational expert.
Wake up Las Vegas.
These are the best people we could find? lol.
"...Goodman's campaign manager Bradley Mayer said afterward...".
This poor guy has the worst job in the whole circus, walking after the parade with a scoop, lol!
"When asked what LGBT events she has participated in since the primary, Goodman said: "I can't give you specifics since I didn't have the question ahead of time."
WOW! So, if she doesn't get the questions ahead of time she can't know the answer as to where she has or hasn't been since the primary a month ago?
And yet she wants to be Mayor?
"Then she suggested that if she were gay, she'd go to a state where same-sex marriages are legal."
So, just pick up and leave and go somewhere else! But she is always talking about how she wants to be the "Mayor of ALL the people"?
What a joke.
The polls show that people are catching on to her and the end is nigh.
It is time for Las Vegas to look smart with an intelligent composed leader at the helm who can take any question the media throws at her. That woman is Chris Giunchigliani!
Carolyn Goodman has been such a disappointment during the campaign while "working" for our vote - can you imagine what a disaster she will be when the pressure is off and she is just sitting there in office?
Chris demonstrated that no matter what she will put the best face for Vegas to the national media any question they want to ask anytime in any situation. When our city faces a crisis - no one will be submitting the questions in advance.
Vegas this victory is within our reach. Now is the time to fight for this office block by block - house by house. We can do it! Show the nation Vegas is as smart and energetic as Chris Giunchigliani!
I don't have a dog in this fight. But, City of Las Vegas voters PLEASE elect Chris G. as your mayor. As a resident and taxpayer of the county, I'm tired of this union shill bankrupting us with Project Labor Agreements and quarter million dollar firefighters who's education consists of a GED. PLEASE elect her and get her off our county commission.
Better she bankrupt the City of Las Vegas and its residents than me and my neighbors.
I think it was a very bad idea for Carolyn to say that gays who want to be married should move. This state is already hurting for revenue, and as long as tourism is our meal ticket, when need to be open and welcoming to everyone.
A Vote for Chris G. is a vote for Great Public Health In Southern Nevada. PLEASE elect this thing and get her off the BCC!
As an audience member today at Lambda, I was taken aback at Mrs Goodman's lack of depth or understanding of the LGBT Community and our issues. Mrs. Goodman was painfully unaware of 'Lifestyle' and issues concerning Nevada's Transgender Community. Note to Carolyn... study the issues before you enter a room of constituents or is this how you would govern as mayor?
I was also puzzled by her lack of manners, leaving in the middle of Chris G's part of the forum.
The difference in the 2 candidates is extremely obvious. Chris Giunchigliani is the BEST choice for Mayor - PERIOD!
Chris G. has the energy to do what it takes to get Vegas back on track. Goodman looks like she has one foot in the grave already. Goodman would have never made it this far if it wasn't for her name. Are you going to vote for a name? Didn't work so well with Bush did it?
All I know is seeing how poorly Goodman spoke about serious issues and her lack of what some would even consider common knowledge, was painful to watch. I think many people saw a clear picture today of who needs to be our next Mayor...G-Unit for the win!
Chis was classy, respectful, well spoken and knowledgeable about the city's needs. The fact that she doesn't have kids and that it was mentioned shocked me. As a mom myself, I don't care, her compassion and concern for our youth is more that tons of people that are parents themselves! Chis is for sure what this city needs to make huge strides forward in a positive direction. She gets it and if she doesn't, she listens and isn't afraid to get her hands dirty (literally and figuratively)I loved her polite jabs at the end too...I mean seriously, you just walk out?? Classless.
As a gay man I am truly offended my Mrs. Goodman. I do not care about her religious views. She should care about embracing all of her potential voters and future constituents. The State of NV already allows us to be Domestic Partners, so she should embrace us and want our vote. Right now the Statehouse is about to pass protections for Transgender persons, so she should want our votes. It is not about her, it is about us, and convincing us that we should vote for her. She did not, and we should not.
VOTE FOR CHRIS G FOR MAYOR!
This is all so stupid. Las Vegas does not need a mayor. They have a city manager. This is just a figurehead position with no power.How can you people even bother with this?
Glad that Brad Mayer's take on Carolyn's positions is consistent -- unfortunately HE's not on the ballot.
Someone told me several weeks ago that Carolyn as much as admitted at a recent "ladies who lunch" event, that she was "embarrassed" to be campaigning, and left the distinct impression that she isn't really that eager to be Mayor.
Reading about her performance today I'm giving that story a little more credibility? Who in the world goes to a forum like today's so unprepared and unable to take a position? Is this indicative of the level of commitment and effort she'll bring to the office?
... Now: ISN'T Goodman-a-RePUKE & the FORMER Mayor's WIFEY?!? YOU know, the guy, who was thee MOB atty. for YRS.-&-YRS. in VEGAS?!? When I STARTED my print-journalism career of 35+ yrs. at-thee-RJ in '73!?! HMMM??? & as-an-OPENLY gay man, I find her IGNORANT remarks ABOUT sexual-orientation TYPICAL for PEOPLE-like-HER!!! Thank-GOD-I'm now LIVING/WORKING in-a-politically PROGESSIVE state-LIKE-New York!!!
You stupid Liberals really want Chris G as Las Vegas mayor ???? This is Vegas Baby wake Up ! Send the liberals to congress, any where but for Mayor we need someone with moxy and pazazz ! Wake up !
Gucci's gallery, more desperate than ever....
I am so glad that when I finally got around to look at this article and check to see who had commented, the ENTIRE Chris G. team, volunteers and paid staff (Including Derek Washington, Laura Martin, Delen Goldberg and the like) had made time to make sure that their commentary had found its way to the comments page.
BTW, Anyone out there check out the poll done for Team Goodman, with three times the sample of the poll cited here I might mention, that shows the Swinger Chris G., trailing by 22 points? I didn't think so...
Shanfrina-go back to school and learn about constitutional law. Glad you have moved, one less ignorant individual in Nevada
Tom Lide- the racist pro-gay venom you spew has nothing to do with the Mayor's office- these are all federal issues- you should spout off to Harry Reid....
simplyhadenough: The Goodman poll that you mention is reported in my story, as is the fact that the Goodman campaign questioned the accuracy and sample size of Giunchigliani's poll.
Derek Washington- it is illegal for gays to wed in a state that gay marriage is illegal- you really are a slow learner...
Xure wouldn't vote for that Goodman conflicted woman. She doesnt know what she wants. typical politician.
its going to be Chris Giunchigliani for myself and almost all of our extended family.
no ho hums, dont know, this or that type of people
what most of you don't realize is that Goodman evolved one of the best private schools in Nevada. That's the education all of Nevada needs and she obviously knows how to get us there, she's done it before and she can do it again.
Carolyn Goodman is clearly out of her depth. And it doesn't appear that she has made the effort to inform herself on the issues. As a voter, it's offensive that she thinks she can coast into office on nothing more than a name. She wants smaller government but cannot say what she'd cut? That's just lame. Chris G. has my vote.
I have read this story, and all of the comments, and if it's as Delen Goldberg has reported, and as the commentors have reported, I'm VERY disturbed by Carolyn Goodman's responses and behavior. I may have to cast my vote for Chris G.! I am so glad I found out before I cast my real vote, and am sorry I voted for Mrs. Goodman in the primary!!
Some people tout Goodman's work with education-however as mayor, she would have no power or ability to influence education in any way.
Its time to turn this position over to someone outside the Goodman family who has the experience and dedication and smarts and energy to do the job. That's Chris G.
Since education is Goodman's strong suit, she should run for the state legislature instead-we need good people there who can make a difference.
@simplyhadenough -- Couple of points in reply to your snide response:
1. Assuming you're referencing the PPP that showed Carolyn leading by 20 - how much validity is there in a poll that is over 30 days old, taken the day after the primary when people who had previously supported an "also ran" had barely had a day to think about who'd they support in the run-off?
2. So let me get this straight -- Chris G has a large group of dedicated, unpaid VOLUNTEERS, who are following the race and sharing the reasons for their support in every possible forum, including commenting on local news stories. You think this is a bad thing? Frustrated a little by the lack of help on your campaign's side?
Chris G is using the Gay and Lesbians as pawns to further her liberal campaign and to get votes. She doesn't care about them. She is selfish and manipulating and her bots, including the author of this article posting on this site confirm that. This was pretty much an ambush.
No wonder Goodman won't debate.
Look how not answering questions worked for Angle.
Time for he Goodmans to retire to Sun City.
Having briefly met Mrs.Goodman and spending the evening carefully observing her speech, mannerisms,articulate conversation in public controlled setting amoungst a varied group the attribute that stuck me the most was her ability to bridge the "circumference of the square" (me) translation her ability to appeal to conservative as well as liberal thought; striking a balance between the two it was her genuine warmth and caring for the projects "in situ" regarding the development of our city keeping construction on track with work in an otherwise barren field.Her love of education was a BIG" plus and her obvious affection for the sometimes crabby curmudgeon that rascal Oscar who beneath that public persona is down to earth "toastmaster sweet" with savvy smarts,and p.s. I never saw him drink more than one business in the front and business in back. The non partisan declaration of political agenda was confirmed meaning the city not just one group stands to benefit and that is by foremost in my choice public speaking is a lot more difficult than it looks.
carsonita It is obvious you are easily fooled with smoke and mirrors not facts.The Meadows School was built and ran with big money from eletists who did not want thier childen going to school with the masses at public schools or the Catholic's at Gorman. Anyone and I mean anyone can make something when the funding just never stops. It is becoming obvious to everyone Goodman is not a smart as they make her out to be.
Goodman married up early on inlife and could care lessa bout the average Las Vegan, as long as they pay thier taxes and the powers to be can dictate policy from that point on. Goodman needs to attend luncheons and events with the fat cats and thier fat wives and leave important decisions to a fresh and qualifies minds like Chris G, who actually knows first hand how government works and can idenify with everyone in Las Vegas.
juansanchez Just by reading your irresponsible,ill thought out post it is easy to see that you are a person of low intelligence and lack any class what so ever. You need to wake up and stop insulting people just because you get a few talking points from Rush, O Reilly, and right wing talk radio. Get an education on governemnt and how it works in America then learn some manners.You do have alot in common with most uneducated and classless conservatives. By the way Nevada thanks the Republican Party for Gibbons and Ensign,and now Sandoval they make Nevada look like the laughing stock of America.
juansanchez Just to prove how ignorant you really are do you have any idea what Oscar Goodmans political partry is? Democrat.Carolyn Goodman is a Democrat as well. Now go sit down.
25 years in the valley SAYS: CHRIS G. FOR MAYOR,NOW LETS GET GOING FORWARD
Who pays for these "polls'?
The event was already underway when Goodman arrived 30 minutes late so it was extra stunning to see her get up and WALK OUT of the Lambda luncheon as Ms. Guinchigliani spoke. But reading this, it all makes sense. The timing coincides perfectly with Ralston's release of the new poll.
Chris spoke articulately about her position/plans for job development, infrastructure, budgeting, community building, education, LGBT issues, and her commitment to each. Mrs. Goodman stated she didn't have any ideas yet because she doesn't know enough about how things work - that she would need to win the office first and then go in and do an assessment.
Sorry Mrs. Goodman, we're not looking for a consultant who can give us an assessment. Las Vegas needs someone who already has the background and expertise to hit the ground running. And that's why I'm voting for Chris G.
@sdg
According to the "other" paper, the Goodman poll was also taken last week, the same week as your Chris G. poll, and was taken in the days just before your poll. I'm sorry that your indictment of the Goodman poll is not as valid.
As far as the volunteer charge, it was meant to show light on those who might claim to be or want to appear as volunteers, when people in the know are aware of their paid positions within the Chris G. camp.
Vegas for Life said:
"Chris G is using the Gay and Lesbians as pawns to further her liberal campaign and to get votes. She doesn't care about them. She is selfish and manipulating and her bots, including the author of this article posting on this site confirm that. This was pretty much an ambush."
Mrs. Goodman has declined or canceled the majority of candidate forums and debates she's been invited to. While I don't agree with your assessment that this was an ambush, if it was, the fact that Mrs. Goodman agreed to attend the one event which she knew going in she would have religious and philosophical differences with the audience speaks volumes about her judgment and/or desire to sabotage herself.
Marla Turner,
Now you are talking. Indeed, the fact that she shows up to the debate indicates the fact that SHE GENUINELY CARES about those from ALL walks of life, even at her own disposal. She is a human being unlike the robotic alternative you are supporting. Let Chris G show up at the Meadows School, to turn the tables.....
The only reason she is still in the race is because of her cashcow supporters who are paying for the polls with a margin of error of plus or minus 51%. She is the dumbest person ever to grace a public microphone in Las Vegas or Anywhere. It's not too late for her to withdraw the candidacy. We have had enough of her free flowing wisdom.
So the choice is between the intellectually challenged and a one who has fiddled over a massive slum called District E.
Talk about gay.
Question: Why doesn't the title of this article include the results of the Goodman poll which surprisingly is completely different than the Chris G poll? Then why does the article ends with awkward statements by Goodman that has nothing to do with the article title. Answer: The reporter is a biased hack.
Oscar Goodman did a "jedi mind trick" on Las Vegas voters the last two elections. This will not happen this election. Criminal associations are a part of Oscar Goodman's past and present. Either intentionally, willingly, and they just don't care, this is not the future of Las Vegas. The past is the past, we must move on and be part of the real world in developing our community. Carolyn Goodman, sadly, would continue with Oscar's status quo of servicing his associations.