The same day he announced his decision not to run for reelection in 2016, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) endorsed Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the third ranking Senate Democrat, to succeed him.
“I think Schumer should be able to succeed me,” Reid told The Washington Post, describing Schumer as “extremely smart” with a “different style” than his own.
The Post reports that Reid anticipated Schumer would be able to replace him as the Democratic leader without opposition and that the number two in Senate Democratic leadership — Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) — would not make a play for the position. Reid and Durbin spoke on the phone Friday morning, the report noted.
Indeed, Durbin also endorsed Schumer in a separate interview with the Post Friday, explaining he told the New York Democrat, “I think you’ve earned this.”
“He’s a pragmatist, and he listens closely to his caucus,” Durbin told The Post.
According The Post, Durbin has been making make calls to ensure support for his reelection to his current position.
With the top dogs in his corner, Politico reports that Schumer is running for the position of Democratic Senate leader Friday and a source says he has already amassed enough support in the caucus to win the job.
Reid announced Friday he will retire in 2016, after more than three decades in Congress.
“I feel very comfortable about this continuity of leadership with Schumer,” Reid said in a local radio interview Friday, according to Politico. “He will be elected to replace me in 22 months.”
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.