Editorial: Sleazy Republican tactic

Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005 | 9:05 a.m.

Now that he is the leader of the Senate Democrats, Nevada's Sen. Harry Reid is bearing the brunt of the Republicans' boorish but sadly effective behavior. Reid had responded with respect to President Bush's pledge to "reach out to my friends in the Democratic Party." Reid told the president that he had a duty to represent Democratic values, but otherwise would work toward compromises that benefited the country. His frank but noncombative tone was rewarded Monday with the same type of attack that President Clinton weathered for eight years and which undid the former Senate Minority Leader, Tom Daschle of South Dakota.

The Republican National Committee, controlled by President Bush and chaired by his former campaign manager, attacked Reid in a lengthy e-mail sent to about a million subscribers. The RNC savaged Reid's record in the Senate, essentially saying that anyone who dares to challenge GOP dogma should be banished from Congress.

We were glad to see a strong response from Reid in the national media. The Republicans, however, have learned that one vicious hit piece is worth a thousand honest rebuttals. In our view, it's time for voters to stand up to this type of sleazy tactic.