Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

U.S. Senate:

Is Harry Reid running again? Look to his birthday present for clues

Harry Reid Victory

Steve Marcus

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, with his wife Landra, gives a victory speech during a Democratic election party at Aria on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010.

Democratic Sen. Harry Reid turns 75 today.

His age is one of the reasons political insiders have wondered whether Nevada's senior senator will retire in two years or run for his sixth term in 2016. If he runs — and wins — Reid would be 83 when he finishes his sixth term.

All signs point to Reid running again. He made a big show of supporting President Barack Obama on a recent trip to Las Vegas to tout immigration reforms. His spokeswoman, Kristen Orthman, told Politico:

"Sen. Reid is running for re-election regardless of who his opponent is."

On Monday, Reid's campaign gave us the biggest clue he's not going to voluntarily leave his seat. Reid's wife of more than 50 years, Landra, sent supporters an email asking for a birthday present in the form of money for the senator's campaign.

"Harry and I were high school sweethearts," the email read. "I have a lot of experience picking the perfect gift for his birthday on December 2nd. I know a way that you can make this birthday extra special."

The campaign was trying to raise $10,000 "by Harry's birthday," according to the email signed by Landra.

Reid had about $1.5 million in his campaign account as of Sept. 30, according to the Federal Election Commission. He'll need more than 10 times that to face what's expected to be the re-election fight of his life.

But the fact he's raising money now signals the fight is on.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy