Individuals, groups respond to Sen. Reid not seeking re-election

When I was a boy, I dreamed of being an athlete. I listened to those baseball games on the radio, and I envisioned myself as a man out in center field at Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park in Boston. But the joy I’ve gotten with the work that I’ve done for the people of the state of Nevada has been just as fulfilling as if I had played center field at Yankee Stadium.

The job of Minority Leader of the United States Senate is just as important as being the Majority Leader. It gives you so much opportunity to do good things for this country. And that’s what I am focused on.

But this accident has caused Landra and me to have a little down time. I have had time to ponder and to think. We’ve got to be more concerned about the country, the Senate, the state of Nevada than about ourselves. And as a result of that I’m not going to run for re-election.

I am going to be here for another 22 months, and you know what I’m going to be doing? The same thing I’ve done since I first came to the Senate.

We have to make sure that the Democrats take control of the Senate again. And I feel it is inappropriate for me to soak up all those resources on me when I could be devoting those resources to the caucus, and that’s what I intend to do.

Someone with my background, my upbringing, to have the experiences I’ve had is really a miracle. And I want you to know that I am so grateful for your invaluable support. I have done my best. I haven’t been perfect, but I’ve really tried my hardest to represent the people of the state of Nevada.

Statement by the President on the Retirement of Senator Harry Reid

Harry Reid is a fighter. In his five terms as a U.S. Senator, Harry has fought for good jobs, a safer environment for our kids, and affordable health care for all. He’s never backed down from a tough decision, or been afraid to choose what is right over what is easy. Time and time again, Harry stood up to special interests and made sure every one of his constituents had a voice in their nation’s capital

Above all else, Harry has fought for the people of his beloved state of Nevada. The son of a miner and a maid from the tiny town of Searchlight, he never forgot where he came from, and he never stopped working to give everyone who works hard the same shot at success that he had.

As the leader of the Senate Democrats during my time in office, Harry has become not only an ally, but a friend. I’m proud of all we have accomplished together, and I know the Senate will not be the same without him. I look forward to working with him to keep fighting for every American over the next two years, and Michelle and I wish him and Landra well in whatever the future holds.

Sen. Heller Statement on Retirement of Senator Harry Reid

Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) released the following statement after United States Senator Harry Reid announced he will not seek re-election:

“I would like to thank Harry for his long and decorated career in public service. He served Nevada with distinction in both local and state government before coming to Capitol Hill and representing the concerns of Nevadans as both a member of the House and the Senate. Throughout his time on the Hill, there was never any doubt his actions always put the interests of the Silver State first.”

Heller continued, “Harry’s coming home to Nevada. I have no doubt his family is looking forward to catching up on lost time, especially the grandchildren. I look forward to working with him for the next 22 months.”

GOVERNOR SANDOVAL STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT OF SENATOR HARRY REID

Governor Brian Sandoval released the following statement after United States Senator Harry Reid announced he will not seek re-election.

“From humble beginnings in Searchlight to the United States Senate, Senator Reid’s story is one that represents the Nevada and American dream. He is one of Nevada’s native sons, a pioneer of the West who has always worked tirelessly to fight for Nevadans with a gritty determination, a testament to his early years. Senator Reid has been an influential voice in Congress on behalf of Nevada’s interests, particularly on issues such as Yucca Mountain and renewable energy development. His service to Nevada as a State Legislator, Lieutenant Governor, Congressman, and Senator spans almost half a century and his legacy will last for generations. I would like to thank Senator Reid for his service to our state. I appreciate the opportunity to have worked closely with him to strengthen Nevada and remain committed to continue that work as he completes his final term,” said Sandoval.

LCV Statement on Reid Retirement

In response to the announcement that Senator Harry Reid will retire at the end of this term, League of Conservation Voters President Gene Karpinski issued the following statement:

“No one fights the good fight harder than Harry Reid. Senator Reid is a true environmental champion who has fought to move America to a cleaner energy future while taking on climate change, which he called one of the greatest challenges of our time. As Majority Leader, Reid has led the charge beating back repeated attempts to weaken the laws that protect our air, water and public lands. From Lake Tahoe to Great Basin National Park to Red Rock Canyon, Senator Reid has protected Nevada’s unique treasures in every corner of the state for future generations. When he retires his presence will be missed immediately, but his influence will be felt for a long time to come.”

In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:

“The Sierra Club is filled with gratitude today for Senator Reid’s decades of tenacious leadership to protect our air, water, and climate.

“Senator Reid has been instrumental in moving Nevada beyond coal. He stood with the Moapa Band of Paiutes and the Sierra Club to retire a heavily polluting coal plant that was threatening the health of those living in an adjacent Moapa Paiute reservation. He also stood with Sierra Club volunteers working to stop the dumping of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. But these are only a couple examples of Senator Reid’s myriad contributions to help protect Americans’ air, water, health, and climate.

“Senator Reid’s leadership has left an immeasurable impression on our nation’s climate and clean energy future. On behalf of the Sierra Club’s 2.4 million members and supporters, we wish him the best and thank him for his tireless advocacy. We look forward to working with new climate and clean energy champions who will continue his legacy.”