Word is that it will be Senator Harry Reid.
I agree with the wide-spread belief that the Democrats should select someone from a “safe” blue state who will have the latitude to be an outspoken advocate for Democratic policies. There’s no question that Daschle was handicapped because he had to appeal to his conservative constituency.
I don’t know much about Reid’s leadership style or Nevada politics, but according to this criterion it sure seems like Senator Durbin or Dodd would be a better choice.
Speaking from the perspective of Nevada politics, I can add a few things.
First, I would like to say, as much as it would help Nevadans, I would prefer to see Durbin be the next minority leader.
As for Reid:
Pros:
1. Has that “down home charm” that is so popular with the public concerning their politicians.
2. Was the number two man in the senate (for Dems)
3. His style is to govern from the center, and is practical almost to a fault
4. Is mild mannered and soft-spoken
Cons:
1. Is mild mannered and soft-spoken
2. Will get trashed every time in a head-to-head confrontation with Frist
3. Does not have that killer bulldog-like intensity needed in a senate leader
4. The Democratic model for a legislative leader is Nancy Pelosi. Reid comes off as more grandfatherly.
Those are my thoughts and observations alone, but I base all that on my personal connections with him, see below:
The main issue for me is Yucca Mtn. Publicly, Reid has unsuccessfully fought it. But privately, he knows it will come to pass, and is working so that Nevada will benefit from it, financially and in political influence in the halls of Washington. That to me, says it all on how he operates. And I am not convinced we need that style of leadership in the senate at this point in time. If Dems had more power elsewhere, a majority in the Senate or House, or the presidency, then it would be acceptable, but not under these conditions.
Thanks for the comment. While Reid may not be the best choice, I’m thinking that at this point the Democrat’s bigger problem is their message, not the messenger. Hopefully if we get that problem fixed, this won’t be such a big deal.
How I love the Silver State. Sharron Angle really shocked everyone and oh yeah will she be a treat to watch. This is going to be a great match with Harry Reid. Tough choice between Harry’s tax and pork style and her need to eliminate the Department of Education. Tough thing being a reddish blue state. Feel so ambivalent here in Goldfield, Nevada. Who is going have the best outcome on Yucca Mountain?
No wonder everyone moves to Nevada. Sharron Angle really shocked the establishment and oh my will she be a trip to follow. This is going to be a great match with Harry Reid. Tough choice between Harry’s tax and pork style and her need to eliminate the Department of Education. Tough thing being a violet state. Feel so on the fence here in Goldfield, Nevada. Who is going have the best outcome on Yucca Mountain?
Go Nevada Wolfpack. Sharron Angle really shocked Sue Lowden and oh my will she be a pleasure to follow. This is going to be a amazing contest with Harry Reid. Tough choice between Harry’s tax and pork style and her need to eliminate the Department of Education. Tough thing being a purple state. Feel so conflicted here in Goldfield, Nevada. Who is going have the right decision on Yucca Mountain?