Reid plays role in Byrd’s ouster from Appropriations

By Lisa Mascaro

Friday, Nov. 7, 2008 | 1:49 p.m.

WASHINGTON -- A week after it was disclosed that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was trying to ease 90-year-old Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia out of his role as Appropriations Committee chairman, Byrd announced this afternoon he would step aside.

Byrd, who initially criticized the suggestion as Washington gossip, said he made his decision only after ensuring Democrats picked up Senate seats in Tuesday’s election.

“A new day has dawned in Washington, and that is a good thing,” Byrd said in a statement. “For my part, I believe that it is time for a new day at the top of the Senate Appropriations Committee.”

Byrd has fought back health troubles this year but survived earlier suggestions it might be time he pass the gavel.

As the AP put it:

“Reid intervened on Byrd’s behalf then, but sources close to the majority leader say his own political fortunes are a factor now.

“Reid (D-Nev.) is up for reelection in 2010, and he’ll be a major target for the Republicans — especially if Barack Obama wins the White House and Democrats succeed in knocking off Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) next week.

“With an eye on the challenges ahead, Reid and his advisers are looking to resolve chairmanship issues in the Senate now so that he has a “free hand to get his reelection campaign up and running,” a source close to the majority leader said.”

A source said Byrd was not pressured and came to his decision on his own.

Next in line for the committee is Hawaiian Sen. Daniel Inouye, 84, who clashed with Reid this fall for his support of Republican Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, a longtime friend and colleague who sought re-election despite his recent felony conviction.