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StumbleSen. Harry Reid seeking votes on hostile turf
Powerful nationally but unpopular at home, Sen. Harry Reid ventures onto campaign trail in places much more friendly to his opponents
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., fields questions at Comma Coffee shop during a campaign stop this month in Carson City.
Sunday, April 11, 2010 | 2:01 a.m.
Sun archives
- Harry Reid, Sue Lowden spar over votes on veterans (4-7-2010)
- On tour, Harry Reid delivers quips on sex, Tiger Woods (4-6-2010)
- Harry Reid’s bus tour passes through state’s GOP strongholds (4-6-2010)
- Harry Reid kicks off campaign tour in Searchlight (4-5-2010)
- Harry Reid continues attacks on Sue Lowden (3-18-2010)
- Harry Reid takes on Sue Lowden early, hoping labor is listening (3-14-2010)
- Harry Reid makes campaign official, says ‘much work to be done’ (3-8-2010)
When Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s campaign tour stopped at a Minden coffee shop last week, he met rancher Nancy Park, who leaned toward him and said: “I respectfully disagree with what you’re doing for Nevada.”
Ursula McManus, who stood next to Park, shook Reid’s hand silently, her lips frozen in a grimace.
At a Fernley pizza parlor, Robert Diffenderfer, 73, a veteran and biker, simply refused to shake the senator’s extended hand.
Elsewhere along the route, small bands of protesters held mocking signs. One dubbed the campaign trip the “throw Nevada under the bus tour.”
This is the political paradox the 70-year-old senator confronts as he begins to campaign for a fifth, and likely final, term in office: Though powerful in Washington, Reid is, to put it simply, widely despised back home.
Reid’s power and popularity have had an inverse relationship during his 30 years in politics. As he has gained more influence in Washington, he’s struggled to maintain his standing at home — most notably since 2005 when he became Democratic minority and then majority leader of the U.S. Senate. Numerous polls have tracked that decline.
Reid is hardly the first to rise nationally while alienating folks back home. It has happened to U.S. Sens. John McCain and Joe Lieberman and, most obviously, Tom Daschle, the former South Dakota senator and Senate majority leader who was unseated in 2004. The perception among the discontented constituents is usually the same: He’s no longer one of us, he’s one of them.
It hasn’t helped that while Nevada has been battered by the Great Recession, Reid has been living at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington.
Countering this impression was one aim of the majority leader’s three-day jaunt through Nevada.
He could get ink in the local papers while a film crew collected images of the senator against bucolic Nevada backdrops to send back to Reno and Las Vegas in campaign ads. He could remind voters he’s a native son, with humble roots in sun-bleached Searchlight.
The 13-city tour was also an opportunity for show-and-tell: to walk among solar panels and discuss his efforts to usher in the green economy; to tell people in the rurals how he had boosted funding for counties with federal land; and talk about how he has been a great friend to mining.
In short, he could illustrate the Reid campaign slogan — the majority leader delivers for Nevada like no one else can.
But that is a hard sell in state that has suffered among the highest unemployment and foreclosure rates in the country for two years running. A sign Reid’s bus passed outside Pahrump told that story succinctly: “Foreclosures. Many to Choose From.”
‘They have to know I’m a moderate guy’
The opposition to Reid is as widespread as it is varied.
The animosity of Republicans in the state’s conservative strongholds, like Minden and Fernley, is well known and likely insoluble. Reid, along with President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, are the mighty triumvirate in Republican circles, the new axis of evil.
“Pinko Pinky Reid You’re Out,” read a banner on a horse trailer in the parking lot of the Elko Red Lion Hotel, calling Reid by his childhood nickname.
Protesters picket outside TJ's Pizza Shack in Fernley as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) makes a campaign stop Tuesday, April 6, 2010.
But even among Nevada Democrats, about a quarter are either undecided or supporting the Republican candidate. For liberals who know the old Western-moderate Reid, he’s not one of them even though his rise in the party has more closely associated him with the party’s liberal wing. Some moderate Democrats say he’s moved too far left.
For moderate and right-leaning independents, he has joined in on Washington bailouts and big progressive reforms when they prefer a smaller, more cautious government.
This highlights the tensions between his roles in Democratic leadership and as the senior senator back home.
Reid acknowledges that his role as the Democratic Party’s national opposition leader during the Bush years hurt his standing with Nevada voters.
“They’ve seen me in the last eight years fighting with George Bush, and that’s not who I am,” Reid said. “They have to know I’m a moderate guy.”
Also, in the age of Obama’s efforts at government transparency, he is an old-school politician willing embrace the deal making necessary to win votes in Congress. Reid engineered the Cornhusker Kickback and other deals during the health care debate and makes no apologies.
“That’s how I got the bill passed,” he said in an interview. Merely delivering a good speech wouldn’t get the votes.
But the deals have become liabilities for Democrats and flash points for his critics in Nevada.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) holds "Fifi," a toy poodle belonging to Ron Malone, right, during a campaign stop in Lovelock, Nev., Wednesday, April 7, 2010.
Despite Reid’s place atop the Washington power structure and his campaign’s central argument that he can deliver, a counternarrative has formed questioning what he has done for Nevada lately.
Nevada ranks 50th per-capita in the money it receives from Washington. Reid’s people point out this is because Nevada state government is so stingy in funding education and other programs that it leaves Washington money, much of which comes through matching funds, on the table.
That is true, but for many Nevadans, the federal largesse Reid brings back is largely unseen.
Improving Reid’s image is a huge task for his campaign. The senator must connect with more than 900,000 new voters who have arrived since his last significant re-election challenge, in 1998. This at a time when the economy and voter discontent with Washington are fueling an anti-incumbent mood.
And then there’s the personality problem. Though known for his skills in behind-the-scenes negotiations, in public Reid often has the charisma of an accountant. He can be as uneven on the campaign trail as he is in Washington, charming and witty one moment, awkward and rambling the next.
In Lovelock, Reid hammed it up with a supporter’s patriotically attired poodle, Fifi. At the Copper Mountain solar plant in Boulder City, a worker asked Reid how his day was going. “Not bad, not bad,” Reid said. The conversation ended there, as he spent the next 10 seconds staring at a solar panel.
He is also unwilling to embrace the bravado innate in most politicians. He seems too humble for his own good. When he does talk about accomplishments, Reid lists them in political shorthand, like Bob Dole but worse, leaving a confused conglomeration of policies without a compelling narrative.
At the solar plant, which could grow to become the world’s largest such facility, he reduced his role to simply, “laws we passed.” In Reno, after robust applause for the energy projects coming to the state, Reid said quietly, “I don’t want to boast,” he said, “but a lot of that is things I did.”
In Lovelock, a woman with a question about the health care bill was confused by Reid’s response. It took a campaign volunteer to sort it out.
Part of the campaign’s answer to all this is to tell Reid’s story. As he kicked off the tour at the Searchlight Nugget, one of two small casinos in his hometown, Reid recalled the panic he felt as a boy looking for his father who hadn’t returned home from the mines for dinner. And the relief upon his return.
“You can’t escape who you are,” he said. “My roots are here. No one can take that away from me.”
As the tour stopped in small towns, campaign advisers said they expect a razor-thin margin on Election Day and thus must come to rural Nevada, where Reid is unpopular, to chase every last vote.
Even if stopping in places like Fernley appeared futile, the locales were photogenic props.
The Boulder City solar plant played a starring role, illustrating Reid’s efforts toward an economic turnaround with green jobs and an energy-independent future. It’s an applause line when Reid talks about the solar panels — “1 million solar panels,” he repeats with emphasis — being laid across the desert.
Halfway through the stop at the solar plant, he took off his hard hat, leaned into the wind and chatted with a group of construction workers.
The image of a sea of hard hats reinforced the message that Reid wants to drive home: I can deliver — jobs are here and more are coming.
As camera crews and photographers snapped away, Reid was out of earshot. The campaign team had established an invisible line, keeping the media at a distance as Reid, in jeans and a jacket, talked to the workers. It was all about the pictures.
Attacks on Sue Lowden in full swing
Sue Lowden
With Reid’s approval rating in the 30s, and with opinions of him largely cast in stone, dressing up his image will only get the campaign so far. So his campaign is making the election a choice, not a referendum.
It’s a polite way of saying Reid will be trashing his Republican opponent. Though the GOP primary won’t be decided for weeks, the Reid campaign is attacking, on an almost-daily basis, Sue Lowden, the casino owner and former state senator who they view as the likely and most feared opponent.
Even during the bus tour’s made-for-TV moments, Reid made time to criticize Lowden.
He hit Lowden’s record as a state senator for supporting a bill to charge noncombat vets $100 to be buried at state cemeteries. He would later call it a “death tax for veterans.”
And just before he posed for pictures with Fifi in a Lovelock park, Reid ridiculed the former Miss New Jersey’s latest TV ad — a gauzy spot highlighting her USO volunteer work entertaining the troops during the Vietnam War.
“I’m glad she went over there with the other beauty queens,” Reid told reporters, before launching into his long record of support for veterans issues: Bringing hundreds of millions of dollars to build the Veterans Affairs facility in Las Vegas and enhance the one in Reno; passing the new GI bill for returning Iraq and Afghanistan vets; passing legislation to allow vets to collect both their disability and retirement pay.
“I’ve done more than stand there,” Reid said.
Reid’s re-election, however, might not be decided by voters choosing between Republican and Democrat, but rather a bloated ballot. It’s a factor in the race that he discusses openly — and with joy — in TV interviews throughout the tour.
He tells reporters that voters will decide among himself, a Republican, a Tea Party candidate, an Independent American, four nonpartisans — and “none of these candidates,” a category that saved him from retirement in 1998. (That year, as Reid eked out a razor-thin victory, 8,113 people voted for “none of these candidates.”)
“No matter what kind of math you do, I win,” he said.
Trying to understand his detractors
As his campaign bus headed east on Interstate 80 toward Elko, Reid grows quiet as he struggles to answer the obvious questions: Why is he so unpopular in Nevada? And why have Democrats, himself included, been unable to deliver a successful message about the work they have done in Washington, trying to save banks and auto companies and prevent the economy from collapsing?
At one point he says he is pausing to come up with a good answer.
“It’s the economy,” he finally offers.
“I don’t know what other reason it could be,” he says at another point. “I haven’t been involved in any scandals. I haven’t been drunk stumbling around. I haven’t done anything wrong.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is is hugged by supporters after speaking at a rally at UNR in Reno on Tuesday/
Congress has done much to try to fix the economy by passing laws to extend unemployment benefits, prop up the housing market with homebuyer credits, provide mortgage relief and create jobs. But it is not enough, especially in late-to-turn-around Nevada.
“The economy is so bad. People are so fearful,” Reid says.
“It’s getting better every place I go in Nevada,” he says. But, “better is not great.”
Reid is right that Democrats have failed to win political support for their policy successes. That’s partly because they have done a poor job explaining them. For instance, voters conflate the big bank bailout with the economic recovery plan, otherwise known as the stimulus, creating an unstoppable narrative of out-of-control spending in Washington that is difficult to counter.
Despite his shortcomings, Reid is still well liked by many party faithful up and down the state for whom he has done plenty of favors.
Yet senators only campaign every six years and many Nevadans know little about him beyond what they hear on cable news. So Reid is out there telling his life story, of growing up in dusty Searchlight, a town with whorehouses but no churches, and hitchhiking his way to high school in Henderson and a better life.
“It really, for a lack of a better word, offends me when people say Harry Reid doesn’t know about Nevada,” Reid said to cheers at a Reno rally. “Come see me in Searchlight.”
The crowd eats it up. Reid walks off the stage to the opening lines of John Mellencamp’s “Small Town” — “Well I was born in a small town.”
As nearly 100 supporters wait along the rope line, Reid shakes nearly every hand, stopping to sign T-shirts, pose for pictures and listen to compliments whispered in his ear.
“Keep up the good work,” one woman says.
He tells supporters here, as he did at nearly every stop over three days: “I need your help.”
So here he is, among the most powerful politicians in America, sounding vulnerable back home: “A lot of people, many of them from out of state, want to get rid of me.”
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Harry Reid should do Nevada and the Democrat Party a favor and quit his bid for reelection. Harry's chance of reelection is getting slimmer by the day and he could do the Democrat Party favor by letting another Democrat run that has a chance of getting elected...
If it is Sunday it must be a Harry Reid article in the Sun.
The Sun writes in this story, which is not labeled as an "editorial" or "analysis": "Reid is right that Democrats have failed to win political support for their policy successes. That's partly because they have done a poor job explaining them. For instance, voters conflate the big bank bailout with the economic recovery plan, otherwise known as the stimulus, creating an unstoppable narrative of out-of-control spending in Washington that is difficult to counter."
I want to know whose opinion this is, jammed in near the bottom of the story. It took three Sun writers to write this story. Did all three of them agree on the above paragraph, or just Lisa Mascaro?
Also, in whose opinion are these Democratic policies "successes," as the above paragraph proclaims?
And who says "voters conflate the big bank bailout with the economic recovery plan, otherwise known as the stimulus, creating an unstoppable narrative of out-of-control spending in Washington that is difficult to counter."?
Did the Sun take a poll -- or cite one -- that proves the above opinion? Or was it on the Democratic talking points?
This is what we've come to expect from the Sun.
How soon after the voters retire Harry Reid from the Senate in November will the Sun officially close its doors, as rumored?
I predict Reid will concede by August. The word 'Politician' is becoming a distinct word and/or phrase now proving we need 'Statesmen' and true Patriots.
Senator Reid!
The I Hate Harry Club is out in force this weekend, as you attend to your re-election campaign!
Nice work; get out there and mix it up with the naysayers!
I'll be smiling all the way to the bank when I win my bet that your political death notice was printed much too prematurely!
Won't THAT throw the Hate Club into a state of apoplexy!!!
Many heart attacks will be reported! Of course, later they will be diagnosed with anxiety attacks, and heavily medicated!
The things you won't get from Harry Reids campaign staff at the LVSun.
http://www.lvrj.com/opinion/defeating-ha...
On the campaign trail, this guy is as goofy and inept as any politician I can recall.
About the same as his performance for our state.
Regardless of all the whining and sniveling going on right now, Harry will win in November.
He is the best of the bunch, and I believe that the voters will see that.
Will Reid vote for the New START treaty?
------------------
The New START treaty is a follow-up to the 1991 START I treaty, which expired in December 2009, and to START II and the 2002 Treaty of Moscow (SORT) which expires in 2012. These all progressively reduced the number of Russian and American nuclear warheads.
But, in a continuation of the Obama strategy of appeasement of our enemies he went to Prague and unilaterally gave up our Nuclear Doctrine as a Deterrent to nuclear Proliferation. Obama believes that by retreat from our first or second nuke use option our enemies will eschew nukes. Hum
This leaves us in a position where instead of using our best weapons to fight enemies that attack us and instead we are left with a first and last resort of placing our men and women on the ground to fight. Instead of a smart war we will have hand to hand combat.
Further Obama has signed away America's right to "securely improve" our weapons stockpile. We will not be able to re-build new warheads as the current ones deteriorate. Obama signed away changes to our Defensive Missile shield including radars. Hum
For those that question the "change" of America's policy of every President since 1945, our newest President said "I really have no response. Because last I checked, they are not an expert on nuclear issues."
It does not take a Nuclear Physicist to understand human nature. Do you really believe North Korea or Iran will abjure Nukes because of Obama's decision?
It is smoozy, fluffy articles such as this that really turns your readers off. Obviously, you are in Harry Reid's pocket instead of being an honest, informing newspaper. Your readers are much more informed than you realize, and I don't think you are going to pull the wool over their eyes! You failed to mention that your state's tea party (uncapped intentionally) is a big FAKE. The REAL Tea Party will not run any candidates on a separate party ticket. This is just another slimy trick by the Democrat party, and it will not work! Real Tea Partiers will make sure of that. I will be reading your paper's obituary in the near future if you don't become a REAL, TRUTHTELLING newspaper.
you also won't get this from the "sPun".
http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm...
check out our unemployment rate. that's right, liberals...it's worse than mississippi, alabama, and...*gasp*...texas (states you liberals really hate because they're "bumpkins").
oh, and the only state worse than nevada for unemployment?
wait for it...
...michigan.
maybe the most liberal/union state in the nation.
how's all that "hopey changey" stuff workin' out for ya?
I have been closely and objectively observing all of the candidates this election cycle. Not one to be persuaded easily strictly along party lines. I was so deeply moved by Mr. Reid's composure during the healthcare debate and the ensuing hostile demonstrations that bordered on the surreal that I registered Democratic and intend to vote for him and his son this fall, based on two factors.The laundry list of credits recently that he facilitated designed to aid Nevada. Followed closely by the the comprehensive education outline proposed by his son.Never on to to be indifferent, outspoken at times but always from the heart and with conviction. His story of abject poverty in a mining town and the spirit to overcome devastatingly long odds proved to be of more substance than any P.R. could hope for.
Harry, Its time to say Good-bye.
Reid had his chance and our state is a disaster right now. Its time for him to go.
P.S. The us-them argument is tired and stale. A weak attempt to polarize voters or in this case paralyze the thought process shifting the focus from achievements to descent and fragmentation remember the old saying about divide and conquer. Circumstances may sometimes be beyond our control economic condition or lack closes many doors. Create the door where there is none through education and you escape to the world of your own creation and desire.Do nothing and maintain the cycle of the bitter harvest. Mr.Reid is a prime example of spirit and fortitude that exemplifies this.Many people seem to delight in the misfortune of others for then they have no recourse other than to mire in the despair. Misery loves company I choose to live.
He sold out Nevada and the rest of the country.
I am amazed that Harry Reid thinks that we are capable of thinking to the point that we could vote for Harry Reid.
Harry thinks we are too dumb to understand the Borrow and Spend Stimulus
Harry thinks we are too dumb to understand the insurance intrusion bill.
Harry thinks we are too dumb to understand the the Nuclear Doctrine.
On 4-5-10, here is what Harry Reid said to kick off his campaign
"The people who are really upset don't really know why they're upset,"
Reid expressed confusion about what the Tea Party movement wants when its members call for more liberty and freedom and cite the Constitution in denouncing what they see as an expansion of the federal government, including with health care reform.
But Reid was surprised "Flying on planes people are so nice to me"
Harry called us evilmongers and Nancy called us un-American.
Harry Reid thinks we stink
Senator Harry Reid we will not be subsumed by the federal pig trough bailout; we will not pass our debt to the next generation; we will not surrender, capitulate, submit, or bow down to your catcalls and scorn.
Time for Harry to get a real job.
> how's all that "hopey changey" stuff workin' out for ya?
lol --- the best retort one person can come up with is from an empty headed quitter? Wow. And you want to talk about desperate? Take a look in the mirror.
Say, anyone see that the Dow is poised to cross the 11,000 mark? Now that's "hopey changey" that is working.
Funny headline. All of Nevada is hostile territory for Reid. Just like most of America.
Harry Reid is a moderate?? I'd like to know how he thinks his political views are moderate.
Everywhere he goes in Nevada things are getting better?? The man has just started traveling around the state so I do not understand how can he say this with a straight face. Everywhere I go in Nevada, things are status quo at best. The writing is on the wall Mr. Reid...
Love the headline of the article. The entire state is hostile turf.
And as for Dow 11,000, anything negative belongs to Bush anything positive belongs to Obama...ya, right.
IF you're going to claim Dow 11,000 as Obama's, make sure you give him credit for Nevada's 14% unemployment.
Harry Reid will go down in history with the rest of the Democratic Party as being the most corrupt, partisan, tyrannical, and anti-American regimes - one that held Americans captive as they spat in the faces of Americans - spending borrowed money like drunken sailors, bribing for votes, dissing the Constitution, and taking massive contributions (having their votes BOUGHT) by the insurance industry, pharmaceutical companies, unions, and attorneys.
Go to hell, Harry.
We are long past bankruptcy and you can't provide the strong leadership we need to clean up your mess.
RHG
If I wanted to read the claptrap in the RJ, I'd read the RJ! As long as Sherman Frederick is employed there, it will be an awful rag...
Vegas Tom, agreed!
stevem, one day, will overcome his arrested social development and we shall all be the better for it!!!
Reid is not all bad.
He voted for and supported Nevada's admenment to its Constitution to ban gay marriage.
Also he voted for DOMA which allows Nevada to ignore gay marriages from other states.
He did not stop all the great very strong conservative judges that Bush selected to Federal court system including the Supreme Court.
He did not push to hold hearings on Bush's alleged crimes or wrongdoing. He still does not.
He voted for the Iraq war and strongly supports the current cranking up of the Afghan war.
He is a super strong supporter of Israel and is puzzled why Obama is acting against this great moral ally of the USA.
The libs are OK with him doing all that for they have no real principles. Heck if they can shallow their pride and voted for somebody who voted for a Constitutional ban on gay marriage then they basically have absolutely no pride at all in their beliefs. They are happy they got ObamaCare...screw that whole gay rights crap.
So....he has not done that much for Nevada with all that power.
So...he does carry water for lib koolaid groups like the DailyKos, ACLU, NOW, etc.
But he still does some good things.
We should give him credit where credit is due.
Reid, Pelosi, and Obama are on track to destroy America.
If they are not voted out of office we have no one to blame but ourselves.
So Harry admits to the public that he's friends with the foreign mining industry who are extracting billions of dollars in ore from our state land. Remember back when our state was trying to find ways to create money and help lower our State defecit? Remember Harry was asked to go to the mining companies and talk about raising their low taxes of 1.5% to 5% for the mining corporations? He told the citizens of Nevada that that would have to wait till after the November elections. Our state is in a crisis and Harry wants to wait till after the Nov. elections.
Is it that you go to your friends when you need help, but when our state needs help, it has to wait, and your a Senator, and the majority leader to boot?
You promised the citizens that you will work at getting jobs back for us but promise the illegals amnesty for being federal criminals in our country. Instead of deporting them for breaking federal laws , you are rewarding them and creating more problems within the lives of your citizens here in your own state. This in itself has gone on to long, and now you are telling the citizens of your state, and country, that you want to make 12 TO 20 MILLION UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS citizens before putting AMERICAN CITIZENS BACK TO WORK? I'm not a Senate majority leader, but it would seem to me that giving undocumented aliens citizenship would come in direct conflict with american citizens trying to get work. I'm not a Senate majority leader but it seems to me not dealing with the illegal immigrants here in our country is in direct conflict with putting our citizens back to work.
Harry the fact that you are assisting illegals here in the U.S. tells our american citizens that aiding and abetting federal criminals.
I didn't see you with I.C.E. at the ralley checking I.D.'s.
Harry is no good for Nevada
Harry is no good for the U.S.A.
Harry Reid on his "pity potty"... How fitting the Sun should write it.
No. The old man just doesn't understand. He doesn't understand how the real world works viewing it from his Ritz suite. He doesn't understand the world has changed for the worst and his model hasn't changed to meet it. As long as HIS world is rich and luxurious, how can anyone else not be the same?
Poor, poor, pitiful old man....
Maybe Reid shouldn't agree when people say the Tea Patry members should "drop dead". I didn't see that covered in the Sun.
Time for him to retire, and time for this Sun to set.
For me and I think most on this board, its not about Democreat or Republican, its about making smart decisions for America and our future. Promising everyone everything and then delivering on that at the expense of more taxes and more government borrowing shows me that just as John Mccain was out of touch in 08 of what thge people wanted with regards to the war, so are our elected leaders today out of touch with our feelings on spending, bribes and not listening to the will of the people, moves towards socialism, growing governemnt rather than business. Its government who has losts its way and the Scott Browns types have it right...looks for similar values in future canditates, thats the right way for our country...regardless of party!
I think "NoVaseline" is right on point this morning. Except that his posting name makes me squirm a little...
"lol --- the best retort one person can come up with is from an empty headed quitter? Wow. And you want to talk about desperate? Take a look in the mirror."
that's the best YOU can do?
how about trying to explain why nevada has a higher unemployment rate than FREAKING mississippi?
businesses are learning to stay away from super-liberal states.
Towns like this one probably wouldn't exist without the government assistance some residents receive. Whether it's through programs such as Social Security or farm subsidies, Uncle Sam is keeping many rural areas viable.
At the same time rural voters are generally republican and pretend to hate government handouts. Same goes for the most conservative Southern states that advocate for small government but are the first pigs in line when big government rings the dinner bell.
Heh, we really don't have too deep of a bench, - the other guy is a sexually harrasing trust fund baby! Despite the attenuated health care reform ;I'll have to support Harry and hope the country abandons trickle down economics.
I sure am curious where you got the information that backs up your post LastThroes, or is this just your opinion and please share how you came by that conclusion. And please, don't go to the SS and medicare speal, we all know, those democrat programs made law, that are broke, corrupt and required by all americans to contribute to, are used by the repubs as well, and then we can say, bet you didn't refuse any of the tax breaks, or refunds you got from Bush, bla, bla, bla, give us new facts to backup your rant.
70 year old biker, is he on social security, medicare or both? Isn't that government run heaolthcare??
repeat from above.
And please, don't go to the SS and medicare speal, we all know, those democrat programs made law, that are broke, corrupt and required by all americans to contribute to, are used by the repubs as well, and then we can say, bet you didn't refuse any of the tax breaks, or refunds you got from Bush, bla, bla, bla, give us new facts to backup your rant.
How many of our troops died because of the aid and comfort he gave to the enemy in Iraq with his stupid comment about the war being lost? If he or his pencil-necked son had ever worn a uniform (no, the capitol police suit doesn't count), perhaps he would understand how much he is hated by those who have risked all. The only risks Harry ever took were in regard ro making money on crooked land deals. I can't wait for my absentee ballot.
I know Navada as a state. What Harry Reid did in the US Senate for Mr. Obama is not what the people of Nevada want to see.
We need to vote him out this November, and hope he won't come back home.
tdkarabatsos get your big rearend behind an IED-old man soldier
Harry Reid is the best of the bunch!! Now how sad is that? What have we come to? Talk about the bottom of the barrel. Yet he is the best. The GOP have no one above the thick crap that settles at the very very bottom of the barrel. These candidates all stink. Most people are neither card carrying Dems or Reps....but we want the best for our leadership...The problem is we have no choice. The GOP do not have a candidate period. At least not one with an IQ...And most are right Harry has not done the job....What a mess....Sounds like the national political scene too...Where once again the GOP have no real candidates...just wanna bes and fools...and I mean truly fools...If they had a real candidate they would win the next presidential bid easily...but the Dems can laugh as they have nothing to worry about as the GOP have people like Sarah Palin doing their talking...Reagan would have pad locked her mouth...Again what a joke...
I could tell Vegas was recoverin' Big Time when I was vacationing there in Feb from last year. Things will continue to improve over the Summer as the unemployment rate comes down. Personally, I've already booked rooms for Mem Day wknd & the WSOP. Come November the Republicans will be in a for a HUGE surprise when Reid wins again because of the recovering NV economy :-)
Harry Reid is obsolete. It is time Harry is retired to one of his plots of land in Searchlight to live out his final years..
On second thoght I have more to say about Harry.
Harry exhibits an air of superiority. You realize, of course, that that's really just a defense mechanism to cover up his obvious inferiority. In theory, ignorant and highly emotional persons are frequently swayed by his bombast and fustian words. But in reality, he says that people are pawns to be used and manipulated. What treachery!
We must act honorably. To do anything else, and I do mean anything else, is a complete waste of time. Harry's apothegms are merely a stalking horse. They mask his secret intention to perpetuate the myth that every word that leaves his mouth is teeming with useful information. You don't need to look far to see that, but see it you will!
The facts are in: Sen. Harry Reid believes that those rights and protections which give us voice in a democratic society are the cause of the current "social chaos" and must be thwarted or dismantled. This is his vision for America!
Education is the answer, not putting your ears toward invidious, unholy mind games that are the drivel that masquerades for discourse.
Harry Reid. Bad for America, bad for Nevada!
"How many of our troops died because of the aid and comfort he gave to the enemy in Iraq with his stupid comment about the war being lost?"
Ziltch.
Harry cant figure out why nobody likes him and he didnt do ANYTHING WRONG!
What a dope.
Again...is there another Candidate? NO!!!! Harry seems to be the best of a horrible bunch and what does that say about the state of our leadership? Not one of these supposed leaders can seem to understand even the basic "Do The Right Thing" it is never about doing the popular thing...it is about what is right....
I often wonder what goes through the minds of U.S. Senators and Congressmen/women who are now an accessory to a Socialist Coup De Tat.
gmag39,
Consider this. http://tinyurl.com/yygqwjo
I can safely say that Harry has nothing but contempt for you and I, and we know it. He wants to cause this country to flounder on the shoals of self-interest, corruption, and chaos. If we take Harry's platitudes to their logical conclusion, we see that eventually, Harry will impose ideology, control thought, and punish virtually any behavior he disapproves of.
What kind of loser wants to acquire public acceptance of Harry's misinformed cock-and-bull stories? A loser like Harry. When it comes to his programs of environmental Gleichschaltung, I surely avouch that we have drifted along for too long in a state of blissful denial and outright complacency. It's time to extend the compass of democracy to antisocial misfits.
If you wonder why I take the stance that I do, it's because Harry's thralls must be exposed and neutralized wherever they lurk. That said, let me continue. Harry turns his back on those who have been the most loyal to him, the voters of this state. Yet those voters who have been betrayed, will yet look forward gleefully to another term for this political anti-Christ!
Harry Reid, bad for Nevada, bad for America.
"Political Anti-Christ" ???????? Reverend Shame on you...Shame on you....
Such commentary is never called for...it just shows ignorance and a lack of truth and faith....
Shame on you....
Not only do we need to get rid of Harry as senator of Nevada, we need him out of Washington as the senate majority leader. Sue Lowden might not be the total best but she would at least work for the people for the first 4 years,and make fresh change to keep her office,there is no perfect candidate, but anybody different than Harry, and that would get him out of office and out of Washington.
He supports the Wars and voted for the Wall Street Bailout.
HR is as phony as our money.
Be interesting who the Elite install to replace the liability Reid. I do find it romantic so many actually think "voting" still exists. Sorry slaves, they control all of it. You do not have a say edgewise. Now go back to watching your TV and shut your pies.
After all Lowden has done, to former employees and her involvement in many "questionable" deals..."might not be the total best" is an understatement of epic proportions...Do you really believe she would work for the people of Nevada for any amount of time???? Not a chance...and she has zero clue about what to work for? Again the GOP needs to stop supporting and putting forth these fifth rate candidates ....they need to adress the deficiencies within their party and their policies and be a party of inclusion...they have forced all the people with true smarts out....people with a so9lid moral base that are not bent on party line but rather on doing "The Right Thing"....
I'm sorry, he was a Veteran and a Biker. That means he also uses the VA benefits and rides on the Federal Interstate highway system.
Reid should understand his detractors, they are hypocrites. Going to the Teabag rally on their Social Security, VA and Medicare. McCain opposed the VA Bill initially and in the past as well. So did Ensign.
They want the government to protect them from crooked mortgage and credit card companies, plow the snow in front of their houses, build them a VA Hospital, protect them when the fly, bail them out when their house is built with Chinese wallboard, or when their dog eats China wheat gluten or when their grand-kids play with lead laced toys.
Then they turn on a three times married and divorced,"family values" cigar smoker, who flies to the Dominican Republic with a bottle of blue pills, (who managed to eat his way to achieve a Vietnam War draft deferment), to hear him talking about "fighting communism, socialism and big government."
Harry Reid is getting his due for what he is. November can not get here soon enough. If he thinks we will forget what he has done, he is only fooling himself. Rory too.
Can someone tell me where things have improved? My job has me traveling in 12/15 different states. I call on and service businesses, I work with owners and employees. No where is it improving, biz after biz is either closing down or laying off their employees.
These are horrible times for America and lying about things inproving is just more of an insult to us.
Harry said people are nice to him at airports and that proves the folks approve of healthcare, he voted no, twice and meant yes, Harry says the Dems have made things better all over the US. He needs to look at good retirement homes as he travels around, since he cant see the destruction that he, the Dems have caused.
People say Reid will be out in November.Wlee I support none of the cannidates either Democratic,Republican,Tea Party Independent,and so fourth.
As far as Reid,I feel (just like many other people in Nevada) that he forgot about Nevada while he was working his way to power in Washington.I believe that Reid should have turned most of his attention towards Nevada's economic crisis and been more transparent with the HealthCare Bill and other projects that will effect his home state.
As far as the other Canidates competing for Reid's Senate Seat,I am not to impressed with them and trully question their ability.
Todays politicians have moved towards a smeare campaign in stead of ability and platform campaign.
For some reason,I believe Nevada is and will be struggleing for a qualified canidate for any Washington office.I even question John Ensign's ability and not sure of his platform
We are in the midst here in Clark County in laying off educators and support staff towards our childerns education.Not for sure what is happening in other parts of the state but I figure it is about the same.I know that it is a state issue in the education system here in Nevada but you would think that Mr.Ensign and Mr Reid would show more concern and help the State in anyway possible.
Reid's years of experince makes him some what qualified but his campaign sould not be what he has done but what he plans to do and how he is going to get it done.The Healthcare Bill has passed and now he should have the time to focus on his part in the Nevada government working with Federal government.
Reid has worked hard to get where he has gotten in Washington I am sure.Harry Reid should really focus on Nevada's economic recovry more but at this point and time it is to late for him to make a possitive showing before November.
If Reid is trully dedicated to Nevada's recovery he would resign as Senate Majority leader for the reasons of focusing on his state and its needs.This would help Reids approval ratings.
My question is?Is the Status of Senate Majority Leader more important than your State and its needs.What do you plan to do for Nevada in the next six years if re-elected?What are your plans for helping Nevada afford the HealthCare Bill you and your crew just forced on Nevada?Are you going to help Nevada's Infrastructure?Are you going to Help the state?These questions should not only be directed to Harry Reid but John Ensign and also anyone who has thrown their name in the hat and are running for Harry Reids's Senate seat
Rodtig...Here Here...Great questions and good points.....We need to demand more from our leaders...Much more and quit settling for less just cause it is easier...Because all this leads to is complaining...well geuss what - demand more...From all parties...forget party lines and vote for the best candidate...Did it do the country any good to vote for George Bush for eight years? That group destroyed this Country Domestically and Internationally...so what happens we all just vote the other way to the Democrats...just cause anything would be better?? While I fully admit Obama is a lot smarter than anything the GOP seems to be able to muster right now it does not mean he is best for the country right now?? We need to start looking toward independants as real options....New and fresh idea's and the will to get the job done...If Obama is best than let it be on his merits not because the GOP have no options...We need to silence the loud voices of fools and see real quality people with exceptional abilities come forth based on principals and idea's that reach beyond their own agenda's...
The word 'Teabag' was used before the Spanish came to North America, nothing wrong with it at all.
If you lived in New Jersey or New York, it would be pronounced "Teapotty" which is perhaps even more applicable to the movement.
Teabag people aren't the only ones who have ever fought for their country.
How many Tea types out there think the dinosaurs shipped aboard Noah's Ark? I heard it was around 40% but I could believe much higher.
In the 234 years this country has been in existence, the Congress (House of Representative & the Senate) have bickered, fought, disagreed and ultimately voted on every law that has sustained this great democracy. As federal lawmakers, that is their job and we voted them into office to do it.
When the late Sen. Mike Mansfield (MT)left office after sixteen years as Majority Leader, he was asked what he thought the greatest legislation passed was during his his term and his response (unquoted) [was that every piece of legislation that was passed was important. It proved that the system of our democracy worked like no other. You win some, you lose some; but by God we get something done. There are country's out there in the world that haven't passed or changed a law in a hundred years.]
Anyone whoever took a Civics or Government class in high school knows that to get something accomplished in Congress you need some degree of power. Power in Congress is bestowed on those with the most Seniority. Being in the Majority doesn't hurt either. The members of the House and Senate select one of their peers to be their leader and spokesperson. When Harry Reid was selected Minority Leader in 2000 and subsequently became Majority Leader in 2002, the State of Nevada had never known a level of prestige or power on Capital Hill since the beginning of this country. I'd bet 3/4 of the people in this great State couldn't name the Senators from California, Utah, Montana, Arizona, Idaho etc...but everyone in this country knows Harry Reid. Whether for good or bad, that is Power.
The more I read and listen to the loyal opposition, I get the impression that Sen. Reid rises each morning and starts planning how he is going to hurt Nevada in some way, shape or form. No matter what we believe politically, there is no one in their right mind that can accept these as the Senator's motivations.
This man knows more about this State and what makes it run than 2,000,000 Nevadans put together. Nevada Assembly(69-70), Lt. Governor(70-74), NV. Gaming Commission(77-81),
U.S. Congress (83-87), U.S. Senate(87-present); that's 23 years and of that eight as Majority Leader.
Please remember that Seniority is ultimate power in the Senate and being Majority Leader makes that power even stronger. Go down to South Carolina and see what Strom Thurmond's seniority and power did for that State. I don't believe that Nevada has even begun to reap the rewards that Sen. Reid can bring us.
Next January, when the next Senate is climbing those Capital Steps for another term, I want someone with briefcase full of seniority and power, and a Majority Leaders seat.
What's going to be in Sue Lowden's or Danny Tarkanian's briefcase? A tourists map of Washington, D.C.?
Thanks for hearing me out.
oh, and the liberal unions should really keep quiet.
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/art...
looks like you're still making bad cars. so, unions = bad product.
jimlaw said, "I don't believe that Nevada has even begun to reap the rewards that Sen. Reid can bring us."
Harry Reid has been representing Nevada for over 20 years and he reserves the big favors for other states. Just look at all the bennies in the Health Care bill that he helped write....not a thing in it for Nevada.
What good is seniority and power when you don't bring anything to your own state?
Harry is a bum and we need to vote him out.
Seems that a lot of people make sure the only focus is on anything they can say to make sure that Senator Reid is not elected, but there is not much focus on who he will be running against. Nor does anyone point at any of the Republicans and what they have to offer. It's only slap Senator Reid and hope he loses. Really dumb.
And I shudder to think if the front runner, Ms. Sue Lowden, gets elected. Because she has two things going for her that won't help Nevada at all. She was/is affiliated with casinos. She's also led the millionaire life. This basically tells me she has absolutely nothing in common with the people in Nevada. She DEFINITELY has nothing in common with me. And this is evident by her spouting out that if she is elected, there will be tax cuts. You have to read into that statement. She means that tax cuts will be for the rich only. She will make sure the middle class is totally destroyed in Nevada.
If she gets voted in, she will sit there all prim and proper, then when the vote for a bill comes, she will look over at the other GOoPers for direction on which button to push, then promptly vote no. I remind everyone there is already one idiot that does that on everything (Senator Ensign), as evidenced by his vote of no on the last jobs bill and on health care reform. We don't need another idiot that will do nothing but obstruct and proclaim she is leading, but is really only following party politics of "no, no, no, hell no, you can't."
That's why my vote is for Senator Reid. Because he has proven in the past he does things not for himself, but for Nevada. And I don't see that trend changing at all when he gets voted in for another term.
Colin,
I gather a few things about you from reading your last comment.
1) You think Harry Reid is not affiliated with casinos - he is and a lot of other unsavory affiliations as well.
and
2) You think Harry Reid is not a millionaire
Harry doesn't do for Nevada, he does for Nasty Pelosi and Barrack Obama. There's not one thing in that health care bill for Nevada and Harry wrote the damned thing!
Why don't you go here and learn about your Senator.
http://www.westernjournalism.com/?page_i...
jimlaw,
Good post. Nevada needs Reid.
LOL! How can it be a good post when it's wrong.
Harry is affiliated with casinos and he is a millionaire!
Lemmings!
He's been up that Socialist, Con Artist, smooth talking, some call a President, a@@ so much, he's forgot about Nevada.
Reid couldn't lead a cub scout troop and here he is pretending to be a statesman. Anyone could do a better job.
Good choice of words henderson. But it seems the reference to Lemmings is more appropriate to the Republicans. They no longer think for themselves. Reid is not one of the fancy talking politicians, instead he is a doer that accomplishes things. I am sick and tired of the idiots that blame the government for the lack of jobs. Since when is the government responsible to give you a job. Get off your fat McDonald's butt and get a job. Instead everyone wants to blame Reid for not having a job. Those jobs went to China because people want cheap junk to buy at Walmart rather then paying a decent price for US made merchandise. I could go on and on but whats the use when Republicans only want to elect the elite instead of those who want to work for the every day average people.
jemster,
What are you even talking about? Reid is Obama's lapdog and Pelosi's bitch!
You're right in that he accomplishes things, but not for Nevada! He accomplishes things for Obama and Pelosi, Nebraska, Florida, Connecticut, Louisianna. He accomplishes a lot of things...just not for the people that elected him.
If you want Harry Reid to do something for you you best move out of state or it's never going to happen!
I don't think the government owes us a job anymore than they owe us healthcare.
Jim law well said.Bravo. Colin also makes the valid point about vague platforms of other candidates.Lest we forget the recent jobs bill a bipartisan bill directly benefiting Nevada the hospitality and tourism bill and the implementation of the larger strategic green energy initiatives nationwide, with again direct impact on Nevada in the form of the wind turbine power plant bringing jobs to the multitude of displaced construction workers hard pressed to find anything other than unemployment wages.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/mar...
This is a letter of love and peace; I will not lash out against anyone, and I will not use specific names of individuals or organizations that produce culturally degenerate films and tapes. That said, let me merely point out that the scantiness of Sen. Harry Reid's abstract knowledge directs his sentiments more to the world of immoralism.
Dirty Harry http://tinyurl.com/ylbmwps
Reid thinks it would be a great idea to progressively enlarge and increasingly centralize the means of oppression, exploitation, violence, and destruction. Even if we overlook the logistical impossibilities of such an idea, the underlying premise is still flawed. Everybody knows that every one of his promises to us was broken before the words were fully out of his mouth, but you should consider that he represents the most inferior form of human evolution. Again, he often tries to prove his points by quoting "authorities" who are in fact nothing more than deplorable-to-the-core ideologues. As execrable as Harry's views are, Harry is capable of only two things, namely whining and underhanded tricks. As is so often the case, his disciples warrant that he is a champion of liberty and individual expression. I say to them, "Prove it"--not that they'll be able to, of course. How can we trust a scurrilous bully who actively conceals his true intentions? We can't.
All the deals Reid makes are strictly one-way. Reid gets all the rights, and the other party gets all the obligations. Even if one isn't completely conversant with current events, the evidence overwhelmingly indicates that there is a simple answer to the question of what to do about his ventures. The difficult part is in implementing the answer.
Harry Reid. Bad for America, bad for Nevada!
jimlaw, you wrote extensively about the power Harry holds in Washington, but you don't mention in you post all the things Harry does for Nevada and how he hasn't forgotten Nevada with all this power he has in Washington. In my book, this is exactly why its time for him to retire.
My earlier comment was in error. He is not pretending to be a statesman. Rather, with that blue old man's sweater he is pretending to be Mr. Rogers.
I wish I could vote him out. I'm from another state and I can't stand this guy!
The fact that no one seems to want to print is that the only one of the 3 leading Republicans (Lowden, Angle & Tarkanian) that Reid can easily beat is Lowden. In fact, when you compare Lowden to Reid from the standpoint of integrity, honesty and a life record, Reid looks like a choir boy running against Cruella Deville. Reid may have participated in some questionable real estate deals but with Lowden, everything is crooked or questionable or a political failure. She screwed her own party's delegates at the 2008 Republican State Convention. She ripped-off the Redeemable Preferred Shareholders of her company, Archon Corp., to the tune of $15 million and, as an encore, nearly drove the State Republican Party into bankruptcy during her tenure as Nevada Republican Party Chairperson. She and her hubby also recently laid-off 106 employees while at the same time taking a $200,000 bonus. Her slogan: "My job is protecting your job." What a pile of bull dung she is! Harry will have no trouble trouncing his former financial backer, Suzanne Lowden! Wake-up Nevada Republicans or face extinction.
I appreciate the responses to my previous post and I respect your viewpoints.
But I am not convinced when all I hear is propaganda from horribly bad news agencies repeated over and over and over. Such as this Obama/Reid/Pelosi cabal idea, the dumb namecalling, "socialism" to refer to anything that someone don't understand, and other tricks that just point fingers, but don't have any basis in fact; just talking in vague generalities; with no solution to anything, just complaining.
The truth of the matter is that, of the candidates (all 10 to 25 of them) that are lined up to try to make a run at Senator Reid's seat, NONE of them impress me at all. They bring nothing to the table except for the fact that they want to be in power.
Not one of them will make an impact and, if they are voted into office, they will relegate Nevada down in the pecking order again compared to other States.
Right now, we have a Senator who wields incredible power, not only for Nevada, but the whole country. Why should you vote for someone else that has nothing to offer and drags Nevada down to inconsequence?
I know this probably don't mean a hill of beans to anyone that is an ultra right wing nut, but there is a fact about Senator Reid. He will actually go down in the history books as an important person in politics who made a difference in America and helped spearhead and pass into law nationwide health care; making it an inalienable right for all, and not just a privilege.
It cannot be ignored that this achievement by Senator Reid provides Nevada with basically a carte blanche check that can be written for when we need help anytime later on. You may disagree with that, but it's politics.
But it's fashionable now to lose focus and just fly off the handle, wave misspelled signs around, and listen to a half term Governor who quit, but now makes money screeching out anything anti-Obama, anti-Pelosi, anti-Reid. It seems to be okay to go ahead and spout that neo-conservative stuff REALLY LOUD to your heart's content. I understand that people are mad, fearful of the future and apprehensive. Being politically crazy is the "in" thing nowadays to vent that frustration, but we must not lose sight of...common sense. Knee jerk reactions won't help Nevada. It will only hurt it.
Just my two cents worth. For whatever it's worth.
According a recent Mason-Dixon poll Lowden would win the election with 46 percent of the vote compared with 38 percent for Reid...
"Right now, we have a Senator who wields incredible power, not only for Nevada, but the whole country. Why should you vote for someone else that has nothing to offer and drags Nevada down to inconsequence?"
Please enlighten me. How has Senator Reid's power helped Nevada? How has it helped you personally? How will it help my 15 grandchildren? Who is going to pay for the endless number of entitlements Reid has supported? How's business in Nevada doing as a result of Reid's influence and power? What's our unemployment rate compared to the rest of the country?
In the words Elaine spoke to the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld, "Harry, no soup for you. Next!"
I saw that poll, LarryVegas. Interesting.
But, last time I checked, Ms. Lowden is not the candidate from the Republican Party who is going to run for Senator Reid's seat. That remains to be decided. For now, the playing field holds something like 22 to 25 people all trying to run against Senator Reid.
The Republicans are all like cats trying to cover their crap on a marble floor: Busier than hell with polls and other dumb stuff that causes them to work like crazy, but their frantic efforts don't help at all to get them to an end result.
Kind of ludicrous to pay attention to polls right now, if you ask me.
Colin: Reid will go down in history (a footnote at best) as someone who allowed the trappings of power to further corrupt his otherwise already corrupt judgement.
Harry Reid is definitely on his way out. Americans are sick of his soft touch on illegal immigration, he is no different than Bush. George Bush was bad, on illegal immigration; Obama is also slow to understand that we need to protect our borders more; American Citizens are being killed daily along the U.S Mexican border. This administration is saying little to nothing about Border States under attack. Not one Politician have mentioned the problems that American face in Border towns, as American Citizens we all should be concerned about our fellow citizens particularly in border towns.
Get rid of him.
Being Obama or Pelosi's lapdog isn't an insult if you like what they are doing. They are great Americans! At least Harry isn't sleeping with his best friend/employee's wife and trying to bribe them into silence using his parents' casino and S&L money to do it with.. As for dealing in the Senate, well, your beloved Reagan and Bush did it all the time. Your Bug exterminator prior leader in GOP congress did it, even the great free-trader hearoes like Herbert Hoover did it. [As did Nixon/Ford/Eisenhower/Bush I etc etc.]
Your budget heroes in southern basket-case states that feed at the federal trough are laughing at your ignorance and naivite as they bleed us dry. Look at Alaska-it's been on the federal dole every year it has been a state. I don't hear Sarah talking about stopping that. No, she begged for more,more.more--the bridge to nowhere was during her [short] stint as governor. And well, maybe the great gibbons should be a non-socialist like Sarah and tax the mines like she taxed the oil companies.
Hypocrites one and all. [and that's without talking about the socialized medicine that these great GOPers get.]
The man that campaigned on being the united had proven to be the most divisive presidents ever. He and his Chicago band of corruption that he has put in charge of converting our great democracy into the Obama great Socialist Republic of America is now front and center. His lies to get elected are now proven. He said what was needed to be said to the audience of the day so to gain their votes. For without the Power of the White House you cannot "Fundamentally Change America" into his Socialist Utopia for the democrat party.
All you need to do to join is pledge your allegiance to the teachings of Salinsky and bill ayers and Rev Wright and all the other people that have the greatest of contempt for America that helped shape Obama's Plans for America. If the Government wins the argument before the Supreme Court that "WE the People" can be forced to buy medical insurance, then America is lost. For that ruling would open the floodgates for other extreme laws to be passed to undermine our very Freedoms.
The country is at war with itself because of Obama. Americans are more angry than they have ever been since the civil war. Ironically Obama is leading the current civil war.
Obama does not think that it's fair because your Neighbor that would rather not work and collect welfare, or your neighbor that would rather not take a second job so he could watch the ball games at nights and weekends while sucking on those brews that take money away from his family, needs to get part of the money that other people work 4 jobs make ends meet.
All profits from businesses should be given to the poor. They should not reinvest in their businesses through research and development. Not plan for their financial security. No No, just give all profits to the poor. For Profits is the Evil in America according to Obama and his far far left wing nut crowd he has surrounded himself with.
America now has only two choices left. 1st allow Obama and his crooked henchmen of Czars to destroy this magnificent country, or Stop Obama at the ballot box before it is too late for our Nation.
The Hatred in this country is at an all time high, that will be the legacy of the Obama failed presidency. This November is the most important election in American history, if we take the house away from the democrats, then Obama becomes just a feeble attempt to make this nation the New Socialist Republic of America.
As much as hate to predict a win for Harry in November it doesn't look much better. He'll end up getting 35-40% of the votes, but because we're going to have so many candidates, republican, tea party, independents, libertarian and who ever else is running. So we're going to have a senator that more than 60% of the state voted AGAINST..
Give these teabaggers HELL, HARRY.
Harry Reid has a problem of his own making...
Harry has a base of approximately 40 percent of voters. Harry's opponent will get the Republican base of approximately 35 percent and at least another 20% from the Independent voters.
Ashjian will not have any effect on the election since he does not have the support of the Tea Party Movement and his candidacy is in question by the Independent American Party and the local Tea Party movement who have challenged his right to be on the ballot. It is alleged that Ashjian filed as a "Tea Party" candidate several hours before he officially switched his party affiliation from Republican party.
All of that said, Harry Reid wins.
This time next year Harry Reid will be a lobbyist.
No vaseline is right! Not even dinner or a kiss first.
His job is not just to represent Nevada, but to do what is best for the country.
Have any of you figured that out yet, or are you all too busy saying "what's in it for me"? Me, me me me me.
Give em hell Harry - a man who is a true child of our Republican form of government. This is a Republic and not a Democracy. He is partisan in a way that is beyond partisanship - he uses his power to move the country forward.
Keep the powerful in power where they can help us all!
The RJ had a detailed Op-Ed piece on Harry's families ethical problems.
Read it and learn what the Sun will never tell you.
Will someone tell me what part of Nevada is not "hostile turf" for Harry...
Larry, those would be the parts that know the issues.
THE CLAIM: Sue Lowden says that Senator Reid has "built nothing."
THE FACTS: FALSE. In reality, Senator Reid has brought home hundreds of millions of dollars to Nevada that helped build roads, schools, hospitals, and other vital public works projects that have created jobs, and made Nevada a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
Set the record straight at
harryreid.com/factcheck
Justin: yeah, we're really booming!
Michael, Must not be very many parts of Nevada that know the issues, because Harry just aint doing so well anywhere...
Justin: Going to harryreid.com for a factcheck is like going to the "Chicken Ranch for a picnic...
That is a lousy comparison, Larry. You can actually receive something of value at the Chicken Ranch.
Here you go...Learn all you can about Harry Reid.
http://www.westernjournalism.com/?page_i...
Give 'em hell, Harry - kick the cuties back home to their husbands and boyfriends - help the people like you have always done. Whip the troops into shape!
Wow, did you notice all the OLD WHITE people in the pictures with Reid?
I know! I love how Harry Reid walks into crowded places and refers to everyone there as his "supporters."
He could walk into the only flippin casino in a 50 mile radius and call everyone there his supporters when they're really just old people that want to play their nickel slots in peace.
I had dinner with about one hundred of my supporters last night. Today, I lunched with about 25 of my supporters.
I went shopping at COSTCO today with about five hundred of my best supporters...
geeselouise
What are you smoking????
I understand what some of you are saying about Republicans being hypocritical, and I agree. I majority of these so called "lesser government advocates" live on the immoral redistribution of wealth themselves.
However, realize that not all libertarians/small government advocates are like this. I myself refused to take federal money and grants to go to college, because I thought it was immoral. My grandparents have not once cashed a social security check- Why? Because it isn't thier money.
Apparently, this message board has very few people on both sides who are willing to debate Senator Reid's policies on an intellectual level, lobbing the "socialist" and "redneck" labels at will. I would be glad to debate anyone on the merits of big government vs small government anytime.
Overall it breaks down like this:
Democrats want government to trample people's rights
Republicans want corporations to trample people's rights
Is that a real choice?
If you were black, and someone called you saying they were from Mason-Dixon wouldn't you hang up on them? Like someone calling from the Lester Maddox Polling Company?
Mred: for a liberal that was a pretty racist comment you made there.
Harry Reid should start drinking heavily, if he isn't already. He is the second most despised man in America. Tonight, the most despised man in America further demeaned all of us by bowing like an indentured servant to President Hu of China.
we need to start over,you know like in the begining you could trust what they said crooks & thieves were hung or perminatly marked not given more money. i wounder if the sheriff of arizona would demote himself and run against harry? lord knows we need a hero. & when he beats him with legidamit votes he should be treaded like a drug dealer & have everythang taken from him!!! that would put the shoe on the other foot. course the sheriff would have to start with the unions,but a fleet of greyhound busses could nip that in the bud. of course immigration would have to mis a few episodes of desprite house wifes & do thier job for once!! oooo there goes your votes harry.!! well i still have my dreams,not my job but u havent taken my dream..thats all i have to say about that.
I will never vote for Harry Reid again
I'm with you shipout I will never vote for Harry Reid again or his son Rory. Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, and Obama are bad for America, maybe Obama can give him a job. Harry Reid, has forgotten who he is supposed to represent.
I am an independent now, too bad we can't come up with a better candidate to run against him.
youngrebelfan40 in an earlier post stated: "Overall it breaks down like this:
Democrats want government to trample people's rights
Republicans want corporations to trample people's rights"
That is an incredibly over-simplified way of describing complex issues, but I think it was mis-stated.
I choose the people's rights to trample over corporations rights. Because, in essence, the government is elected by and stands for the people. It is apparent that all throughout the years, corporations have clearly demonstrated they don't really give a crap about people. They give them the bare minimum, and care nothing for their safety and well-being. They only want to make money off of them. A good example of this is the health insurance companies. They just keep raising the price of premiums. This clearly shows they care nothing about people's health, only making that money. Right now, we have people in power, nationally and on the State level, that actually look out for us.
As far as this fits in with the above article, Senator Reid seems at ease with everyone; no matter if they are hostile, friendly or indifferent to him. And I know why. Because he has shown, thought and deed, that he represents us...the people.
My vote goes for Senator Reid.
I have looked at the alternatives. The front runner for the Republicans, Ms. Sue Lowden, for all what she spouts, will do nothing but represent the casinos and the rich, not the people. Her idea of health care is to "barter." Huh? Give me a break! She brings nothing to the table to show she is a leader, can govern and represent Nevadans in Washington. A vote for her would be an incredible waste.
It is corporations and business owners that keep the economy moving and people working. NOT Harry Reid, Obama, or the government.
I'll again mention Seniority and the Power of the Senate Majority leaders seat. Sen. Reid will get more done in the next six years than Lowden & Tarkanian collectively. These two will still be looking for their parking spaces and hoping to find some 'A' list dinners to attend. It's not necessarily what you know in D.C.; but who you know. And its been that way for 200 years. How anyone can disregard that the Senate Majority Leader is from the State of Nevada; doesn't truly understand how the Congress of the United States operates. You should kneel down and thank your Higher Power that 'our' man is in that position. Forget the minor details and look how the bigger game is played. You think Nevada is the only State getting screwed today?
Harry Reid is an old time politician who has been accused of using his influence to line his own and his family's pockets.
As majority leader of the Senate, Harry Reid has been one of Obama's biggest cheerleaders. It was Reid who jammed ObamaCare through the Senate by bribing members to get their votes. Harry Reid brokered a deal to get Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska's vote by promising full federal funding for Medicaid expansion for Nebraska that was worth about $100 million in order to get his support. Nebraska was not alone in getting special sweetheart deals by Harry in payment for votes. Those of us in Nevada and the rest of the U.S. don't approve of his buying votes that we will have to pay for in higher medical care costs.
A recent poll by Mason Dixon Polling showed 52 percent of Nevadans oppose ObamaCare while only 39 percent of Nevadans support it.
The same poll indicates that Harry Reid's unfavorable rating has reached 56 percent and he trails the Republican front runner, Sue Lowden who would win with 46 percent of the vote compared with 38 percent for Harry Reid.
Harry Reid would be doing his fellow Democrats a huge favor by dropping out of the race and letting a Democrat run who has a chance of beating a Republican.
Harry Reid has done his time in Washington D.C. It is now time for a younger energetic Nevadian to take his place...
That's strange...
Larry's words are merely the plagiarized words of DICK MORRIS AND EILEEN MCGANN, and can be found here: http://www.lvrj.com/opinion/defeating-ha...
I know many people who would accuse someone who plagiarizes without quotes OR attribution of lying and misleading the Sun's commenters.
Combat Republican attacks and set the record straight
http://www.harryreid.com/ee/index.php/fa...
Are ksand99 and his buddy edgewise going to close this discussion down like they did to "Rhetoric and reality" earlier this evening???
What a couple of babies...
Arrrgh...the worst senator ever in Nevada! What the hell we're we thinking. Our state has been tarnished.
Our next senator better be pushing to help Ensign repeal this garbage Government Health Care Bill that Dirty Harry forced on us.
Let's get something straight... Harry Reid has very little power nationally. He's just a puppet of Nancy Pelosi and Barrack O'Bama so suggesting that he is powerful nationally is a joke.
If he had any real power.. he would stand with the people who elected him in and not left wing radicals.