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Reid Steps Up for Re-Election Dogfight

Majority leader has low ratings, political target on his back

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 27, 2008 12:00 PM CST

(Newser) – He presides over the biggest Senate majority in a quarter century, but Harry Reid is still the Democrat most likely to be unseated in 2 years, the Wall Street Journal reports. A recent poll shows Reid’s approval rating at 38%, and his disapproval rating at 54%. Aware of the danger, Reid has stepped up his fundraising and began interviewing campaign managers this week.

Reid’s leadership position makes him a top target for Republicans, who hope to oust him as they did Tom Daschle in 2004. Democrats likewise nearly unseated GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell this year. Reid watched those races closely, says Nevada's other senator, John Ensign: “He saw the consequences of being the leader of one of the parties.” Reid expects to amass $3 million by year’s end, which still leaves him $4 million short of what he ran with 4 years ago.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., talks with reporters on the financial market turmoil on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., pauses as he talks with reporters on the financial market turmoil on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

In this Nov. 20, 2008 file photo, Harry Reid, accompanied by Democratic leaders, talks with reporters during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., pauses during a news conference on the passage of the Senate version of the bailout package on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008 in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 2 of 2 comments

Guest

Dec 27, 2008 11:13 PM CST

Can't wait to see this gutless excuse ofor a majority leader go. Bounce that loser Pelosi out of the house next. Because of the warrant less wiretaps the administration has career ending dirt on all the weasils in congress. Only a few have to guts to speak out.

Guest

Dec 27, 2008 10:10 PM CST

Corona, I can't comment on your characterization of Sir Harry's mendacity. My guess is that your sources are obscure and occult. But I've got a complaint about the Dems Congressional leaders: they have had innumerable opportunities to blow the opposition back to 1875 where, IMHO, they belong. Harry and Nancy have squandered every chance to advance in a bold way the Democratic position. BTW, singling out any individual pol for personal ethical and moral turpitude is a loser's game. Line up the last 1000 government-related people who have been busted and I think that you'd find that Republicans are a sizable majority in that line. I'll quote the Bible for our evangelical brothers and sisters: "He of you who is without sin, cast the first stone." Tootles!

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Reid Steps Up for Re-Election Dogfight

Majority leader has low ratings, political target on his back

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Reid Steps Up for Re-Election Dogfight

Majority leader has low ratings, political target on his back

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Democratic Congress • Senate • Harry Reid • John Ensign • Senate majority leader

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Durbin, Schumer Jockeying for Reid's Majority Post

Senators quietly maneuvering to move in if leader goes down

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He voted against reconciliation before correcting himself

Reid Promises Vote on Jobs Bill Next Week

But so far, not one Republican senator is on board

Pals Reid and Lieberman in Spat Over Trash Talk

Majority leader cries 'double-cross' on health care, doesn't quite take it back

Harry Reid's No. 1 Priority Is Harry Reid

A Senate majority leader needs to 'think bigger'

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