Biden Silent on Reid Stepping Down

Red State ^ | Jan 29th, 2006 | Nick Danger

[george76]

Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) failed today to address rumors that Nevada Senator Harry Reid will step down next month as Senate Minority Leader.

Reid has been stung by revelations that his political action committee (PAC) accepted more than $60,000 in contributions from Indian tribes linked to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Appearing on CNN's Late Edition, Biden avoided discussing either the Reid situation or any upcoming changes in Senate Democratic leadership.

Reid is no stranger to scandal, having been the subject of a 1979 Justice Department probe into allegations that Reid — then Nevada Gaming Commission chairman — had received bribes through mob lawyer Oscar Goodman and Tropicana attorney Jay H. Brown.

The probe officially cleared Reid, but he subsequently received numerous contributions from gambling industry figures, including Brown.

Some Democrats are worried that Reid's continued presence in the Senate leadership undermines Democratic hopes of scoring significant gains this November.

"Reid is going around the country talking about a 'Republican scandal' — about Republicans accepting one- and two-thousand dollar contributions from Jack Abramoff, when his own PAC took in $60,000," ...

Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean, appearing on Fox News Sunday, made no announcements concerning Reid's status, but did comment on the growing controversy.

Moderator Chris Wallace asked Dean, "if we find that there were some Democrats who wrote letters on behalf of some of the Indian tribes that Abramoff represented, then what do you say, sir?"

Without mentioning Reid by name, Dean replied, "That's a big problem. And those Democrats are in trouble. And they should be in trouble."

[COBOL2Java]

So who would replace him?

Boxer! Hey, I can dream, can't I?

[Soul Seeker]

She chose Reid to represent them after the 2004 elections because they thought having a red state Senator would fool Americans into believing they were moderate. Just like they tried to speak "Christian secret code". It was a failed experiment. Voters aren't buying it. Why would they when the Minority Leader for their Party is required to pander to the extreme Left?

So, now the Dems will probably select a blue state Senator that will scream, shout, and sound like Howie naturally rather than have to work at it.

Of course that move would isolate the red state Dems, that felt they had some representation with Reid in their similiar position.

Now they are either going to have to go along with the extreme Hard Left in their party in absolute obeisance, or be shunned.

[EQAndyBuzz]

"Was he found with a dead prostitute?"

Male of female?

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Dean replied, "That's a big problem. And those Democrats are in trouble. And they should be in trouble."

It would help the Democrats' credibility problems if they would stick to a story line for more than a week.

[OkiMusashi]

I gotta Bump this.

[ssaftler]

Wow, Schumer, Pelosi and Dean running the Demon-rats? Talk about the "Three Stooges"!!!!!

[p23185]

Since when do Democrats step down just because of some bothersome scandal? Did Bill Clinton step down? Did Gary Condit step down? Reid isn't giving up his post. He isn't going anywhere.

I would have to agree with this conclusion - RATs never step down. They have to be dragged off to prison or be buried before they would voluntarily leave a leadership post! Remember they have different rules than Repubs have - just look at the House with Tom DeLay.

[p23185]

You know what this means, don't you? He's going to be indicted.

If, and when, that happens the MSM will drop the Abramoff "Republican Scandal" like a hot potato.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

That's a flip-flop for Dean. A couple of weeks ago he claimed that the Abramoff scandal did not touch Democrats. Can't these guys ever get one story and stick to it?

[OldFriend]

Talk about cruel and inhuman punishment. Don't think I can take too much more of these insane clowns.

[OldFriend]

Abramoff has gone the way of Plame.

The polls are showing that 75% believe BOTH parties are equally guilty of taking money from lobbyists.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Dean's defense of Dems who took money from Abramoff was pathetic. I wonder if they even focus group tested it?

Every time Dean opens his mouth, thousands of 'independents' decide to become Republicans.

[GretchenM]

I think Harry, as Senate minority leader, does a lot to vitiate the dem party and think he should be allowed to retain his post (barring proof of corruption).

If Harry gets the bum's rush, I wonder who the Senate dems are thinking of hoisting on their shoulders, or his own petard, to lead them.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

The list goes on of Dems who got from Abrahamhof by direct gift or by directed contributions. They all need to take a hike.

Resigning only applies to Republicans. If you are a Democrat, and you are caught robbing a bank, all you have to do is donate the money to charity and you get a pass.

[zeaal]

Reid is a dope.

[Flavius Josephus]

Chris is slicker. He doesn't bash his interviewees. He's like Tony Snow -- he cuts them to pieces with a smile on his face and they part friends and the victim doesn't even know he's been had.

[hgro]

So who would replace him?

Certainly not Turban Durbin - well maybe Turban Durbin since the Dims are noted for their room temperature I.Q.s

[ArmyBratproud]

Durbin will get indicted as well, if they get Dorgan. They both did the same thing for Abramoff.

[Fedora]

Thanks! Biden, too. . .

[Salvation]

Hmmmm!