Harry Reid defends earmarks, says he’s proud of Senate accomplishments on behalf of Nevada

Reid says he’s proud of Senate accomplishments

CARSON CITY, Nev. — U.S. Sen. Harry Reid said Thursday he’s proud of what he’s accomplished during four terms in the Senate, and he challenged critics and opponents who say he’s lost touch with Nevada.

In an interview on KRNV-TV’s “Nevada Newsmakers,” the Democratic Senate Majority Leader also defended so-called “earmarks” in the congressional budget process, saying the Constitution dictates Congress direct spending and it shouldn’t be left to the president.

“I would like anyone who’s taken a look at any of my earmarks, I invite them to criticize any of them,” Reid said. “I think they should be fighting for them. That’s what Congress is supposed to do.

“I’m not going to be driven by this shrill voice that is meaningless,” he said.

Reid is seeking a fifth term in November, and his seat has been targeted as a priority for Republicans to try to claim. A crowded field of 23 candidates have filed for the race, including 11 Republicans who will face off in the June 8 primary.

Earlier this week, Sig Rogich, a GOP strategist who advised Republican presidents, said Reid should be re-elected.

“The notion that we would kick out the most powerful man in Congress would be devastating to Nevada,” said Rogich, who leads a “Republicans for Reid” group.

Rogich also said Reid isn’t effective in selling himself or his accomplishments.

Reid agreed.

“I’m not very good at tooting my own horn,” the senator said. “My record speaks for itself.”

But in the interview, he said he was proud of the Truckee River Operating Agreement he helped negotiate that ended a century of water wars between California, Nevada, tribes, farmers and urban users in Reno and Sparks.

He also cited the Sparks Marina, a recreational site that was once a gravel pit contaminated by an underground plume of millions of gallons of leaked fuel, and ongoing efforts and hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for the environmental protection of Lake Tahoe.

“I am happy with the work I have done,” Reid said.