Reid knew nothing about Torricelli dropping campaign

Benjamin Grove

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002 | 11:17 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Robert Torricelli, D-N.J., never offered Senate Majority Whip Harry Reid any signal that he would abandon his re-election campaign, the Nevada Democrat said today.

Reid, a key strategist, spoke to Torricelli on Thursday and Friday, but the embattled senator was still in full campaign mode, Reid said.

"He was off and running," Reid said. Still, Torricelli had acknowledged to Reid that it had become more and more difficult to focus attention away from controversy that has dogged him.

"It was just like he said (Monday), no one wanted to talk about the issues," Reid said.

Reid said he was optimistic Democrats would be able to run another candidate in Torricelli's place and retain control of the seat.

Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., had a very different take than Reid, saying that the Democrats had a slim chance of replacing Torricelli because the law precludes a last-minute switch.

"They are really going to have to manipulate the system," Ensign said. "Pretty objective people are saying this looks pretty cut and dried. The law is the law."

Ensign said voters would reject a Torricelli replacement if one were somehow placed on the ballot.

"They hate backroom deals and that's exactly what this would be," Ensign said.

GOP senators were buzzing with excitement today on Capitol Hill about the likelihood of a Republican claiming Torricelli's seat, Ensign said.

The seat is crucial because Republicans and Democrats are battling for control of the Senate this election season. Democrats hold 50 seats; Republicans 49, with Sen. James Jeffords of Vermont, an independent.

Reid "most definitely" will offer money from his political action committee to Torricelli's replacement candidate, spokeswoman Tessa Hafen said.

Reid held a fund-raiser May 30 at the Bellagio for Torricelli. The amount raised was not available, but Reid gave Torricelli a $10,000 donation from the PAC at the event.

Torricelli called Senate colleagues shortly before announcing his decision Monday and spoke with Reid a few hours before the press conference.

"By then his decision had been made," Reid said. "It was a personal decision."

Reid donated $500 to Torricelli's legal defense fund on May 15, 2001 while Torricelli was still under investigation for ethics violations.

Reid had only kind words for Torricelli today.

"He's my friend and I support him," Reid said. "I have only the highest respect for him."

Ensign also praised Torricelli for being a "very personable, likeable guy." Ensign called Torricelli one of the best friends Nevada on gaming issues.