Dems pick Reid

WASHINGTON – Newly elected Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid prodded President Bush and Republicans on Tuesday to join him in working across party lines over the next two years and said, “I would always rather dance than fight.”

“But I know how to fight,” the 64-year-old Nevadan added in his first appearance as leader of a Democratic minority that was reduced to 44 seats in the Nov. 2 elections, fewest in seven decades.

Chosen without opposition to replace Sen. Tom Daschle as party leader, Reid also warned Republicans not to “mess with the rules” as they try to overcome opposition to Bush’s most controversial nominees for the federal courts.

While Democrats ushered in a new leadership era, House Republicans stood pat with their own team after elections that enlarged their majority.

Rep. Dennis Hastert of Illinois won support from the GOP rank and file for a fourth consecutive term as speaker and pledged a “reform Congress” when lawmakers convene in January.

“We will reform the legal system to stop lawsuit abuse. … We will reform Social Security without cutting benefits and raising taxes on senior citizens, and we will work to reform the tax code to make it more simple and more fair,” said Hastert, who has a close relationship with Bush.

Apart from Reid, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois was elected second-ranking party leader.

In the House, Republicans awarded Rep. Tom DeLay of Texas a new term as majority leader, and Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri was re-elected whip, the third-ranking position.

Daschle was defeated in a bid for re-election in South Dakota two weeks ago, and Reid’s ascension capped a remarkable rise for a native of tiny Searchlight, Nev., born into poor circumstances.

“If I can make it in America, anyone can,” he told reporters, adding he hopes to use his tenure to make sure that others have “the same opportunities that Harry Reid had.”

Reid said he intends to defer to Daschle while Congress completes its current post-election session.

At the same time, he already has begun to exercise his new power inside the party and the Senate.

He said he hopes Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack will seek chairmanship of the Democratic party, for example, and that Democrats will work harder to appeal to rural voters in states like his own.

Associated Press

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., will lead the Democratic minority in the new Senate.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen gives his State of the City address on Thursday, March 20 in Edmonds, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Edmonds mayor talks budget at 2025 State of the City

Mayor Mike Rosen discussed the city’s deficit and highlights from his first year in office.

Public’s help needed to find missing Arlington man

The 21-year-old left the house Sunday night without his shoes, cell phone or a jacket, and was reported missing the following morning.

The Marysville Tulalip Campus on the Tulalip Reservation, where Legacy High School is located. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Marysville board votes to keep Legacy High at current location

The move rolls back a decision the school board made in January to move the alternative high school at the start of next school year.

The former Marysville City Hall building along State Avenue on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
City of Marysville, school board amend property exchange

The city will relocate its public works facility to the district’s current headquarters, which will move to the former City Hall.

Snohomish County Elections employees Alice Salcido, left and Joseph Rzeckowski, right, pull full bins of ballots from the Snohomish County Campus ballot drop box on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County to mail ballots for Edmonds, Brier elections

Registered voters should receive their ballots by April 9 for the April 22 special election.

A stormwater diversion structure which has been given a notice for repairs along a section of the Perrinville Creek north of Stamm Overlook Park that flows into Browns Bay in Edmonds, Washington on Thursday, July 18, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Edmonds Hearing Examiner decides on Perrinville Creek saga

The examiner revoked the city’s Determination of Non-Significance, forcing Edmonds to address infrastructure issues on the creek

Don Sharrett talks John Wrice through his trimming technique on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett barber school offers $5 haircuts — if you’re brave enough

Students get hands-on practice. Willing clients get a sweet deal.

Our Lady of Hope Fr. Joseph Altenhofen outside of his parish’s building that will be the new home of Hope ‘N Wellness on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New Hope ‘N Wellness location to open Wednesday in Everett

Our Lady of Hope Church will host the social service organization at 2617 Cedar St. in Everett.

Amtrak Cascades train 517 to Portland departs from Everett Station on Saturday, Sep. 2, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Limited train service to resume on Amtrak Cascades

Trains will have less capacity for now, but service is expected to resume for some routes as early as Tuesday.

Marysville
Police: 66-year-old Marysville man dead from fatal stabbing

A neighbor found the man unconscious on the sidewalk as the result of an apparent stabbing. Police said they are looking for suspects.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Driver, suspected of DUI, hits WSP vehicle on I-5 near Everett

The trooper was blocking the HOV lane for a previous collision when his vehicle was struck Saturday morning.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.