Columnist Jeff German: Rising GOP star James eyeing congressional seat in 2000

State Sen. Mark James, R-Las Vegas, may have succeeded former Rep. John Ensign as the GOP's golden boy.

Though he was just re-elected to a new term, James already seems to have his sights set on higher public office.

And while Republicans and some big names on the Strip are salivating over that possibility, James is being coy about his political future. He probably doesn't want to neutralize his effectiveness at the Nevada Legislature, which is set to get under way soon.

"All I'm really doing right now is planning for the legislative session," he says.

That may be true, but GOP insiders report that James also is planning a trip to Washington later this month to test the waters for a possible congressional race.

Playing a game of semantics, James doesn't deny he may end up in Washington this month.

"Right now, when I look at my calendar, I don't have a trip to Washington planned," he says.

But will you have one on your calendar tomorrow or the next day, Senator?

James has been mentioned as a possible opponent in 2000 of both Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., and Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., who has taken over Ensign's seat.

Most believe Potomac Fever will steer James toward Berkley's seat, which could set up one of the most intriguing House races in the country. Like Ensign, who also is said to be contemplating running against Berkley, James has appeal to both Republicans and Democrats.

James also has nothing to lose by running in 2000. He'll still have his state Senate seat if he comes up short in the race.

The biggest obstacle he faces may be beating Ensign to the punch.

Bobby Panaro, one of six men charged in the murder of underworld figure Herbie Blitzstein, has fired his longtime lawyer and friend, Steve Stein.

Stein, one of the busier defense attorneys in town, says Panaro wanted someone to work full time on his case, which is set for trial in U.S. District Court in March.

So Panaro, whom the FBI alleges is a "made member" of the Buffalo mob, hired John Fadgen, another legal veteran, to take over his defense.

U.S. District Judge Philip Pro recently refused to spring Panaro from jail. Panaro has been behind bars since his arrest last February in a sweeping federal investigation that smashed an attempt by the Los Angeles and Buffalo crime families to take over Las Vegas street rackets.

Blitzstein, once a trusted lieutenant of the late Chicago mob kingpin Anthony Spilotro, lost his life in the racketeering plot.

At the County Courthouse, there's word that the attorney general's office is looking to seek yet another indictment against Billy Walters, a prominent professional gambler and golf course developer.

Witnesses reportedly are being lined up to testify before a county grand jury later this month.

Investigators continue to believe that Walters has been laundering proceeds from his lucrative betting operations, a charge Walters vehemently denies.

District Judge Donald Mosley tossed out two previous indictments against the politically connected gambler.

Walters insists his betting activities have been above board, and he has accused the attorney general's office of mounting a vendetta against him.

Looks like another showdown is in the works.

Former Las Vegas FBI chief Bobby Siller started his new job this week as a member of the state Gaming Control Board.

Siller, who will head the board's important Enforcement Division, already is receiving praise from the gaming agents he's overseeing.

There also is excitement at the FBI that his presence on the board will dramatically strengthen the working relationship between the two law enforcement agencies.

FBI agents, meanwhile, are hoping Walt Stowe, who's taking over Siller's duties on a temporary basis, will be given the job permanently by FBI Director Louis Freeh.

Like Siller, the 50-year-old Stowe is popular with local agents. He also is regarded as a competent manager.

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