Posted on 03/27/2015 5:35:51 AM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum
WASHINGTON (CNN) —Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said Friday he won't seek re-election in 2016, a surprise move that's certain to open a fierce battle for his seat as well as a fight to lead the Democratic party in the chamber.
The fifth-term Nevada Democrat had denied retirement rumors for months, which grew louder after he suffered serious injuries in an exercising accident on New Year's Day. He said in a video posted on Twitter and Youtube that the bruises were "nothing," but added that "this accident has caused us for the first time to have a little bit of downtime ... time to ponder and to think."
"We have got to be more concerned about the country, the senate, the state of Nevada, than us. And as a result of that, I'm not going to run for reelection," he says in the video.
Reid was a top GOP target and expecting a fierce reelection fight, and he says in the video that he feels it would be "inappropriate" for him to "soak up all those resources" while Democrats have a real shot at taking back the Senate.
A member of Reid's staff tells CNN that the senator made the decision to retire around Christmas. Likely replacements for senate minority leader include Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin and New York Sen. Chuck Schumer.
Ha ha, ta ta.
Because he’ll be incarcerated by then for corruption and grand theft of billions of taxpayer dollars.
So does this mean they can finally throw him in jail?
You couldn’t get the grin off my face with C-4.
Worried about “falling off the treadmill” again?
Any politician who starts poor (and Reid did) and ends rich with no job but politics is a scumbag, corrupt, crooked person and should be ridden out of town on a rail after being tarred and feathered.
(One of these days I’ll tell you how I really feel)
I guess the exercise equipment with the size ten boot stomp told him not to.
I’m actually proud that my congressman is one of the “Poor boys” in DC. Still under 7 figures after 14 years in the Michigan legislature and 8 in DC.
Doesn’t stop the idiot left from calling him Wall Street Walberg though.
Harry Reid - the epitome of the corrupt politician.
Quit so he could live ? No longer is of use to mob? The beating message must have sunk in ??
Probably worried that voter fraud wouldn’t work again.
Tacit admission that they know they can’t retake the Senate in 2016.
He and McConnell (for all the issues we have with him) really despise each other. I’m guessing the turtle is wearing a Cheshire Cat grin right now.
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
They could, but they won’t, thanks to the spineless wimps in Washington.
But I believe that in the end we will all be judged by God and Harry is no exception.
and don’t let the door hit your backside and the way out.
Mitch McConnell will have to look for a new boss.
Good riddance.
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