After flirting with the job and not finding the votes, Dick Durbin and Chris Dodd will not seek the position, giving it to
Harry Reid.
Senate Minority Whip Harry Reid (D-Nev.) stepped in immediately after Daschle's defeat, telling Nevada reporters yesterday that he had secured at least 30 assurances of support from fellow Democrats -- enough to succeed Daschle when Senate Democrats meet to reorganize Nov. 16.
Reid appeared to be put on a clear path toward victory when Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) told reporters yesterday that he would not challenge Reid, saying a contested race "would be very harmful to our party at this juncture."
Leading Senate Republicans, meanwhile, boosted by the party's gain of four Senate seats, are urging President Bush to push ahead with a strong conservative agenda.
Reid will have similar issues as Daschle did, being in a swing state, and while he works hard, long hours his style is not confrontational. Without challenge, otoh, it may be easier to stay together as a caucus. Either way, seems like a done deal.