Nevada Briefly 12/16

Vucanovich endorses Gov. Gibbons

Gov. Jim Gibbons' campaign Tuesday announced that his re-election has been endorsed by former congresswoman Barbara Vucanovich.

Vucanovich, a Republican, was the first woman elected to Congress from Nevada. She served from 1983 through 1994.

"Governor Jim Gibbons has demonstrated exceptional leadership during his military service, his private sector life, and his political career," Vucanovich said. "These unprecedented economic times require an experienced leader like Gov. Jim Gibbons."

Gibbons said he was proud to receive her endorsement for his re-election bid.

"Her values and mine are parallel on many important issues and I intend to keep fighting so families and businesses can thrive and prosper in Nevada," he said.

"I encourage all Nevadans who want proven courage and leadership to support Gov. Gibbons any way they can," Vucanovich said.

She said she is planning a fundraiser for Gibbons in January.

Hers is the first major endorsement Gibbons has received for his re-election bid.

Vegas mayor changing parties, mulling governor bid

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman says he and his wife, Carolyn Goodman, are switching their political party affiliations to nonpartisan.

Goodman said Tuesday that he hasn't decided yet whether he'll run for Nevada governor in 2010.

But he says changing his party registration from Democrat keeps his options open.

Recent polls show Goodman would be a contender for governor against several Republicans, including incumbent Gov. Jim Gibbons.

Goodman is 70. If he ran as a Democrat, he would face Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid. He's the son of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Goodman is term limited and cannot seek a fourth term as mayor in 2011. He has said he would like Carolyn Goodman to succeed him in office.