So many Reid items already this morning that I decided to just put the hodgepodge all in one post.
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Here’s a Politico piece about Reid bodyguard and Capitol Police Special Agent James Proctor. A few highlights from Proctor’s experience over the years:
He evacuated the Nevada Democrat on the day, during the week of President Ronald Reagan’s funeral, that the Capitol was under threat of an incoming aircraft.
He was at a town hall meeting in Nevada where a woman sat in the front row with a concealed gun.
He often puts himself between Reid and the angry and the ugly: disgruntled people looking to hit, spit, kick, throw things and yell at the majority leader. He has escorted Reid from the boisterous attacks of Code Pink.
And on Sept. 11, 2001, Proctor, an Iraq war veteran, was one of the many officers who helped evacuate frightened Hill staffers.
The piece includes some nice personal notes about the longstanding relationship between Proctor and Reid, too. Worth reading.
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The Hill ran a story on the circling vultures entitled “Durbin, Schumer prep for fight with donations to Senate colleagues.” The piece lists cash handouts of the second- and third-ranking Senate Democratic leaders who are buying future favor in the unlikely event (!!) that Harry Reid loses in November. Also lists giveaways of
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and GOP powerhouse Jim DeMint.
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Politico reports that Senator John McCain swipes back after Reid’s disparaging remarks about McCain on Face to Face yesterday. All the juicy quotes are provided.
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Politico also reports that Reid accused the GOP of undermining national security via filibusters of White House nominees that are leaving critical posts empty at the State Department and Department of Homeland Security.
Local freelancer Steve Friess pens a critical piece on Harry Reid’s Black History Month column. Although I understand Friess’ frustration with what he sees as the Majority Leader’s unfounded self-aggrandizement on issues of racial equality, I also agree with Jon Ralston’s assessment that politicians are guilty of this kind of hyperbole hourly so it’s “hardly scandalous.” The more poignant and interesting point is the one Steve Sebelius made when he wondered whether or not it was wise for Reid to publish his column so soon after his recent racial gaffe. But as of the time of this posting, I don’t see the story gaining any traction on the blogs and/or on Twitter so Friess’ piece appears to be a nonstarter.
Update: Some Nevada folks with direct historical knowledge come to Reid’s defense. Read about it over on Steve Sebelius’ SlashPolitics. One of Reid’s defenders said, “I am incredibly disappointed that after taking the time to speak with Steve Freiss he chose not to include any of my responses.”
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The reprint of Reid’s piece here includes an AP photo of the Majority Leader appearing to be amusedly musing over something. That pic is just begging for a caption contest. Feel free to drop your entry in the Comments.
