Reid poised to take over as Senate minority leader

WASHINGTON — A senator with deep Utah ties will likely assume one of the most powerful positions in the U.S. Senate.

No, it's not veteran Republican senators Orrin Hatch or the just re-elected Bob Bennett.

It is Harry Reid � Utah educated and an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints � who is the second-in-command Senate Democrat from Nevada.

Reid, 64, is poised to take over the top leadership post for the minority party now that Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., was an election-day victim of a Republican juggernaut that saw the GOP boost its Senate majority to 55-45.

The nation's capital has been abuzz with speculation the past week that Reid — who faced only minimal opposition in his bid for a fourth term —appeared to be positioning himself for a run at the top Democratic job should Daschle falter.

His only opposition could come from Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., who lost his own bid for the top post to Daschle by one vote. But Dodd disavowed any interest in the post Wednesday in an interview with CNN.

And he told Cox News Service, "I really decided that I can better serve my party and my state by staying out of the race," Dodd said.

Dodd's recalcitrance removed the only obvious hurdle. "I have commitments from a majority of my colleagues," Reid said.

President Bush even called Reid to seek "reconciliation" between the warring political parties, Reid said.

"I appreciate the president reaching out, and I look forward to working with him on important issues for Nevada and the nation," Reid said. "At the same time, I will not shirk from my responsibility to stand up and fight for Nevada values and Democratic principles."

Reid was unopposed in his bid for the No. 2 position, and he has spent the past decade cultivating relationships in what Capitol insiders see as laying the groundwork for a bid for the top job.

"I have a great deal of respect for Harry," Hatch said. "He is a tough, smart guy and has been a fighter for his party and his causes as the Democratic whip. And he also knows about the issues Utahns face."

Bennett says "all signs" point to Reid being the new minority leader, and he likes the idea.

"I believe this will change and improve the culture of the Senate," Bennett said. "As Tom Daschle was the architect of the obstructionist tactics, which have bogged down the Senate for so many years, Harry Reid is open to genuine, bipartisan progress."

Reid's office did not return Deseret Morning News calls. Democratic senators will elect their leaders before year's end.

Bespectacled and unassuming, Reid bears a resemblance to former U.S. Rep. Wayne Owens, with whom he shares many of the same politics.

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