Reid on a course to run for re-election
By Amber Phillips, Las Vegas Sun
WASHINGTON — Will he or won’t he?
That’s the question entertaining Nevada and Washington’s political class this winter as they debate whether Harry Reid will run for a sixth term to represent Nevada in the U.S. Senate.
The case for the doubters: Despite the fact he’s said publicly and privately he’s running, the 75-year-old would be 84 by the time he finishes the term. His latest approval ratings barely pass 41 percent in Nevada, and polls show he’s got an uphill battle to win re-election against any number of opponents. The $1.4 million sitting in his campaign account today is relatively low. Couple all that with a brutal exercise accident on the first day of 2015 that could leave him partially or totally blind in one eye, and it’s easy to see a path for Reid to retire.
But those close to the Democratic leader say that argument completely misses a fundamental understanding of what drives Harry Reid — and why he’s almost definitely running for a sixth term in 2016.
2 years older than me (or “I” for the school teachers) I’m delighted that he’s trying to remain as my state senator. We’re gradually losing the cantankerous politicians who do everything, occasionally marginal, to represent their constituents.
I’ve known Dean Heller personally, largely because of his involvement and participation in car racing, and like him a lot. I was very disappointed to see him in the House compromising his values in order to remain a player in the Republican oligarchy. In the Senate he seems to have moved a bit closer to real leadership; I’m certain that this has been in large part due to Reid’s mentoring.
Hang in there Harry; we’ll all be sad when you go.
Harry Reid is senile. Some of the stuff he says is absurd. It’s long past time for him to retire. I go to the Tahoe Summit every year, and this year was probably the first time he didn’t fall asleep on the stage! Somebody must have been poking him in the ribs to keep him awake.
Doddering idiot.
Copper, Yes Dean Heller was a racer. Think I saw him a time or two at the old T Car raceway next to my folks old place down the road from the Stewart Indian school. We built a ranch there that butted up right next to that old race track.
I had alot of good Saturday nights in those old wooden plank seats sittin’ with my dad watchin’ the cars go round and a round on that little 1/4 mile track.
Dean Heller or Harry Reid? Can’t say I ever met either. I Hope they’re good guys and have our best intenstions in focus. OLS
OLS. a bit off topic, I knew, but was never close to Dean when I worked for a few years at what, by then, was known as Champion Speedway. Working for Les Kynett was always interesting, and often entertaining.
I knew Dean Heller as a pretty good stock car driver and great, not to mention, compassionate team owner – his love of the sport was obvious by the way he supported young drivers, and even took them on as teammates. I had no idea that he was Secretary of State for Nevada until my wife sat next to his family in the stands one night.
After I retired from 30 years in law enforcement, I went on to work as an official for Formula 1, Trans-Am and Indy Car (after the short track stuff at Carson City, Stockton and others), but I came to realize that, at all levels of the sport, supportive and honorable folks like Dean Heller drive our beloved sport of car racing.
I’m an active Nevada Democrat; he’s a Nevada Republican, but it’ll be a long time before I’ll actually consider strongly opposing him. It’s rare, in any party, to find an actual honorable politician.
Thank goodness the State of Nevada was smart enough 5 years ago to not elect Sue “Chickens For Checkups” Lowden, or Sharron “Hear What I Mean, Not What I say” Angle!
Harry Reid is the cause of nothing happening in the Senate for the last 6 years, 547 Bills sat on his desk that he would not let come to the floor for a vote that would have created many JOBS throughout this country, I know that everyone likes to blame the Republicans for nothing happening in Congress but WHY DID HARRY not allow one Bill to be brought to the floor for a vote. He may have done a good job for Nevada and himself but he did nothing for the Country.
My horse would make a far better Senator than the apparent land swindler corrupt Harry Reid who looks like he is trying another land swindle a lot closer not to mention his brother who was just arrested for serious crimes. When is enough corruption enough?
This man regardless of his age, has suffered a major injury to his head and he is going to require more surgery. That fact alone should cause him to go sit down. He’s put his time in. Time for healing, Harry.
And the world becomes a little darker…
Can’t stand Harry Reid! But I do have a bit of respect for him. His last two reelections everyone thought he was a goner. But thru some luck, tenacity and doing what he could to ensure the best possible opponent for himself, the Sen. has kept his seat. He’s not to be counted out!