Posted on 01/29/2006 2:28:02 PM PST by 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."
(Excerpt) Read more at redstate.com ...
He seems likely to at least resign his minority leadership, but he has been in legal trouble in the past and may be headed for more legal trouble that could cost him his senate seat.
He apparently dodged jail time at least once before.
I'll believe it when I see it. I agree she won't run if she's convinced she can't win.
I think they are saying step down as minority leader not quit the Senate.
And from January 3, 2006:
"January 03, 2006 Reid: Las Vegas mayor discusses Senate bid By BRENDAN RILEY ASSOCIATED PRESS CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - The U.S. Senate's Democratic leader confirmed Tuesday that Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman has discussed with him the possibility of challenging Republican Sen. John Ensign this election year. "
Now that is a Culture of Corruption!! The Dems fall for another Rove trap.
Probably either Hillary, Kennedy or Kerry.
The bag man was Col. Steve Austin. Reid is known as the $60,000 Man.
Those Dems are going through Senate Leaders faster than Ted Kennedy goes through a case of whiskey. First Puff Daschle loses his seat, now this...
Don't get my hopes up.
Hope Harry punges to the sewer.
Now, I want the putz Dorgan from North Dakota to resign. He is another 60K baby. While we're at it, didn't Pelosi have a handful of Jacks money on hand too. The list goes on of Dems who got from Abrahamhof by direct gift or by directed contributions. They all need to take a hike.
Reid would step down as leader, not step down from the senate.
The dems despise Kerry because of the money left in his '04 campaign coffer. Teddy is, well, Teddy. He has no chance. Hillary has the job if she wants it.
Dear G-D, Schumer would make me long for Reid.
obviously no one here likes Reid, and that's understandable.
but I have to say - I am still unconvinced that these senators/congressman are "selling themselves" for these contributions. we all know money buys access, that is a wholly different thing then buying votes, or putting political money into your own pocket (like Duke Cunningham), or knowing that your contributions are coming from illegal sources. Until I see more evidence across the board, I am not buying into this being a "massive corruption scandal".
I wonder if they've spoken today?
There is no way that Reid will step down as minority leader. That would totally gut the Democrats' "this is a Republican scandal" line. They have too much invested in it. They have built their entire 2006 election strategy on it.
Dean did everything he could to whitewash Reid and other 'Rats from the Abramoff thing.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.