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Senate minority leader Harry Reid will not seek re-election Senate minority leader Harry Reid will not seek re-election
(34 minutes later)
Senate Democratic minority leader Harry Reid announced on Friday he will not seek re-election in 2016, ending a congressional career that spanned three decades. The Senate Democratic minority leader, Harry Reid, announced on Friday he will not seek re-election in 2016, ending a congressional career that spanned three decades.
The Nevada senator, who has served as Democratic leader in the upper house since 2005, cited serious injuries that left his vision impaired after a January exercise accident at his home in his decision.The Nevada senator, who has served as Democratic leader in the upper house since 2005, cited serious injuries that left his vision impaired after a January exercise accident at his home in his decision.
“This accident has caused Landra and I to have a little down time. I have had time to ponder and to think,” Reid said in a video posted to his YouTube Page. “We’ve got to be more concerned about the country, the Senate, the state of Nevada than about ourselves. And as a result of that I’m not going to run for re-election.” “This accident has caused Landra and I to have a little down time. I have had time to ponder and to think,” Reid said in a video posted to his YouTube page. “We’ve got to be more concerned about the country, the Senate, the state of Nevada than about ourselves. And as a result of that I’m not going to run for re-election.”
“My life’s work has been to make Nevada and our nation better. Thank you for giving me that wonderful opportunity,” he added.“My life’s work has been to make Nevada and our nation better. Thank you for giving me that wonderful opportunity,” he added.
Reid, 75, was a top target for Republicans in the next election cycle and expected to face a highly contested race. The former boxer said he did not want Democrats to soak up their resources trying to defend his seat as they seek to take back the Senate in 2016.Reid, 75, was a top target for Republicans in the next election cycle and expected to face a highly contested race. The former boxer said he did not want Democrats to soak up their resources trying to defend his seat as they seek to take back the Senate in 2016.
Among Senate Democratic leadership, New York senator Chuck Schumer is widely regarded as Reid’s successor. In a statement, Schumer praised Reid as “one of the best human beings I have ever met.” Among Senate Democratic leadership, the New York senator Chuck Schumer is widely regarded as Reid’s successor. In a statement, Schumer praised Reid as “one of the best human beings I have ever met”.
“He has left a major mark on this body, this country, and on so many who have met him, gotten to know him, and love him,” Schumer said.“He has left a major mark on this body, this country, and on so many who have met him, gotten to know him, and love him,” Schumer said.
Reid was first elected to the Senate in 1986. Reid was first elected to the Senate in 1986, after an initial four years in the House of Representatives.