Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, an outspoken Democrat, seems to catch lots of attention, locally. Will it stay that way? The Democrats in Nevada want him to run for governor, to replace their Republican Governor, Kenny Guinn. According the Las Vegas Sun, 5 October 2005:
But some close to him have said the mayor is seriously considering a run, and the latest poll suggests he's the best hope for the Democrats.
A Zogby International poll released Tuesday found Goodman was the only Democrat to top Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., the Republican front-runner and early favorite in the 2006 governor's race.
This is all a bit amazing. In March of 2005, the Los Vegas Sun story line is, "Mayor endorses gin to fourth graders." Other times, he's more politically movivated on the national level, out attacking President Bush's conservative judicial nominations. But yesterday, he's out promoting the idea of cutting off the thumbs of graffati artists who deface public property. Wait! He’s not finished. He even suggests that the government step in and start whipping and caning the kids that are in trouble. Anyone see the ACLU coming?
By the way, here's how you find out the Mayor's political leanings. Well, you'll have to go search. The media just leaves it out. If the politician does or says something outrageous, possibly illegal, and he is a Democrat, his party affiliation won't be mentioned - good luck finding out. That is, if the story is even printed. If he/she is a Republican, it will be right up top, and then the news will miraculously appear all over the media. Here's the news - oh, too bad Aaron Brown is gone, we're sure that this one would have been covered in tomorrows news segment. Right. In the November 03, 2005 Las Vegas Sun:
CARSON CITY -- Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman suggested Wednesday that those who deface freeways with graffiti should have their thumbs cut off on television.
Goodman, appearing on the television program "Nevada Newsmakers" in Reno, said: "In the old days in France, they had beheading of people who commit heinous crimes.
"You know, we have a beautiful highway landscaping redevelopment in our downtown. We have desert tortoises and beautiful paintings of flora and fauna. These punks come along and deface it.
"I'm saying maybe you put them on TV and cut off a thumb," the mayor added. "That may be the right thing to do."
Goodman also suggested that whippings or canings should be brought back for children who get into trouble.
"I also believe in a little bit of corporal punishment going back to the days of yore, where examples have to be shown," Goodman said.
"I'm dead serious," said Goodman, a guest on the panel show.
Parents are supposed to take care of their children, but government replaces them on some occasions, Goodman said...
Considering this kind of praise... Back on June 11, 2003, Talkleft.com (The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice new) opened a piece on the mayor, noting:
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is our favorite mayor in the country, bar none. He is honorable beyond reproach. Prior to becoming mayor, he was one of the most esteemed criminal defense lawyers in the country.
...I just can't wait to hear the deafening silence as the media brings this shocking story to the public across America. Wait; with the left wing so involved being concerned about the treatment of terrorists, I suspect that they won't have time for it here at home.
