Updated

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is considering running for the Senate seat held by Republican John Ensign, the Senate's top Democrat says.

Minority Leader Harry Reid said Goodman talked to him about a possible candidacy. In an interview Tuesday, Reid called the mayor "a real vote-getter."

Goodman has not responded to rampant speculation about his political ambitions, saying he is concentrating on being the "happiest mayor in the universe."

Before becoming mayor in 1999, Goodman was a defense attorney whose mob clients included Anthony "Tony the Ant" Spilotro. Goodman got 86 percent of the vote when he was re-elected.

The Aug. 15 Democratic primary could also include former President Carter's son Jack, who is soliciting donations for a Senate run.