Biden Silent on Reid Stepping Down

Red State ^ | Jan 29th, 2006 | Nick Danger

[george76]

Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) failed today to address rumors that Nevada Senator Harry Reid will step down next month as Senate Minority Leader.

Reid has been stung by revelations that his political action committee (PAC) accepted more than $60,000 in contributions from Indian tribes linked to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Appearing on CNN's Late Edition, Biden avoided discussing either the Reid situation or any upcoming changes in Senate Democratic leadership.

Reid is no stranger to scandal, having been the subject of a 1979 Justice Department probe into allegations that Reid — then Nevada Gaming Commission chairman — had received bribes through mob lawyer Oscar Goodman and Tropicana attorney Jay H. Brown.

The probe officially cleared Reid, but he subsequently received numerous contributions from gambling industry figures, including Brown.

Some Democrats are worried that Reid's continued presence in the Senate leadership undermines Democratic hopes of scoring significant gains this November.

"Reid is going around the country talking about a 'Republican scandal' — about Republicans accepting one- and two-thousand dollar contributions from Jack Abramoff, when his own PAC took in $60,000," ...

Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean, appearing on Fox News Sunday, made no announcements concerning Reid's status, but did comment on the growing controversy.

Moderator Chris Wallace asked Dean, "if we find that there were some Democrats who wrote letters on behalf of some of the Indian tribes that Abramoff represented, then what do you say, sir?"

Without mentioning Reid by name, Dean replied, "That's a big problem. And those Democrats are in trouble. And they should be in trouble."

[mainepatsfan]

Oh I'd really like to either one of those two leading the Senate Dems.

[HEY4QDEMS]

A couple of weeks ago he claimed that the Abramoff scandal did not touch Democrats

I think his exact words were "not one dime" which technically is true. snicker!

[GOPJ]

Reid is no stranger to scandal, having been the subject of a 1979 Justice Department probe into allegations that Reid — then Nevada Gaming Commission chairman — had received bribes through mob lawyer Oscar Goodman and Tropicana attorney Jay H. Brown.

Dems on the take? What's next, dems voting the dead in Chicago? How can this be? How can this be? </sarcasm>

[jazusamo]

I would hate to see Reid step down as minority leader. I think he's helping the Repubs through his hypocrisy.

[REDWOOD99]

Hillary. She who controls the pursestrings controls the vote.

[Richard Kimball]

The probe officially cleared Reid, but he subsequently received numerous contributions from gambling industry figures, including Brown.

Am I the only one who would be surprised if a Nevada senator HADN'T received contributions from the gambling industry?

[TomGuy]

How did I miss this? When was this reported?

First I've heard or read about it, too. You'd think this would have been a Breaking News headliner on FR.

[REDWOOD99]

He would step down as leader, not senator.

[advance_copy]

...rumors that Nevada Senator Harry Reid will step down next month as Senate Minority Leader. Reid has been stung by revelations that his political action committee (PAC) accepted more than $60,000 in contributions from Indian tribes linked to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Well, well, well. Looks like the lefties might have got a little blowback.

[mainepatsfan]

Not a bad move either as a setup for a Presidential run. Not that she really needs it.

[damncat]

Please tell me wisconsin gubner doyle is mixed up in this thig!

Callin all feds, calling all feds. Please investigate doyle!!!

[george76]

Yes...Quote...

Speculation about the mayor's political ambitions has run rampant in recent months. Goodman has dodged questions about a potential Senate bid ...

If Goodman got into the race, he could wind up in a primary battle with Jack Carter, the son of former President Jimmy Carter, who already has launched a Web site soliciting donations and support ...

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nevada/2006/jan/03/010310016.html

[Bender2]

Re: ...rumors that Nevada Senator Harry Reid will step down next month as Senate Minority Leader.

Just wait until Howie Dean hears this!

[Gabz]

It was news to me as well :)

[Emmett McCarthy]

No, I got the reference

[GreenHornet]

Since when do Democrats step down just because of some bothersome scandal? Did Bill Clinton step down? Did Gary Condit step down? Reid isn't giving up his post. He isn't going anywhere.

[Pukin Dog]

The opening gambit on Reid was set up masterfully by Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday this morning.

He maneuvered Dean into literally pulling the rug out from under Harry Reid. It was brilliant.

[quidnunc]

Nick Sanger wrote: Reid is no stranger to scandal, having been the subject of a 1979 Justice Department probe into allegations that Reid — then Nevada Gaming Commission chairman — had received bribes through mob lawyer Oscar Goodman and Tropicana attorney Jay H. Brown.

There was a story a while ago about Reid funneling substantial amounts money to members of his family.

There was a story about it in the LA Times or a Las Vegas paper which got some play among conservative commentators but which was largely ignored by the MSM>

[REDWOOD99]

I'm convinced that Hillary will not run. She can't win and a loss would be devastating to her ability to raise money. As long as she remains the top fund-raiser, she will be the power of the party. She won't announce that she's not running until the last minute. She'll be raising money like a madwoman until then.

[mainepatsfan]

Dean's defense of Dems who took money from Abramoff was pathetic. I wonder if they even focus group tested it?