Goodman backs Reid, a longtime friend, for Senate

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman on Saturday endorsed Sen. Harry Reid for re-election as the two men toured downtown projects that received some U.S. funding thanks to the Democratic leader.

"He's the one who we go to as the point man to get things done in the city of Las Vegas," said Goodman, who was wearing a straw fedora and pinstripe suit that evoked the mob lawyer he once was.

Goodman said he and Reid "went at each other with both barrels" in the late 1970s when Reid was chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission and trying to keep the Mafia out of casinos.

The mayor's backing of Reid in his close race against Republican Sharron Angle comes as no surprise. The men have been friends for 40 years.

Earlier this year, Goodman changed his registration from Democrat to nonpartisan for a possible gubernatorial bid. Reid's son, Rory, a Democrat, is facing Republican Brian Sandoval.

Asked whether Goodman planned to endorse Rory Reid as well, the martini-loving major demurred.

"I have to do it with aplomb," Goodman said.

Is that a no?

"No, don't say that," he replied walking away with Harry Reid at his side.

The Reid-Goodman tour included a bus transfer terminal, a new City Hall under construction, the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

Contact Laura Myers at lmyers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2919.