Reid on 2016 re-election bid: ‘Sure, why not?’

By David McGrath Schwartz

Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013 | 7:19 p.m.

Sen. Harry Reid said he would run for re-election in 2016, even as he praised the most potent potential Republican contender.

“Sure, why not?” Reid, 73, said after a speech Wednesday night to the Nevada Legislature, when asked if he’d run for re-election.

Reid also told Politico in November that he would run for re-election.

Asked about Gov. Brian Sandoval, who would be Republicans' top contender against Reid midway through his second term, Reid praised him.

“I like Brian Sandoval,” he said. “I think he’s trying to do the right thing.”

In his speech, Reid praised Sandoval twice — once for supporting a sales tax increase for cops in Clark County, and second for expanding Medicaid.

Asked if he thought Sandoval would run against him, Reid said he didn’t know. He said he has had a number of opponents over the years.

But Reid said Sandoval would be a worthy contender.

“Oh sure, everybody’s worthy,” he said.

“Could you beat him?” Reno Gazette-Journal reporter Ray Hagar asked.

Reid demurred.

“I don’t get involved in fights if I don’t have to,” he said.

“But you’re a boxer,” Hagar said.

“But I’m not stupid.”