WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., on Tuesday said he does not regret his relationship with Dario Herrera, a former Clark County commissioner who faces a federal prison sentence after being convicted Friday of conspiracy, wire fraud and extortion.

"I'm not going to pound on Dario," Reid said. "He's had enough pounding."

But Reid said he was disappointed in Herrera, who was Reid's handpicked candidate to run for the congressional seat won by Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., in 2002.

"I talked to him and specifically asked him during the congressional race if he was doing anything wrong because I had heard some rumors, and he said, 'No,'" Reid said.

"I said, 'Are you taking any money from anyone you shouldn't?' (Herrera answered) No," Reid said. "And of course the evidence came out that he did some very bad things."

Reid said he has kept in touch with Herrera "during all his travails." He described Herrera, 32, as having "great talent" and a "tremendous intellect."

"I think he's young enough when he finishes whatever punishment the court metes out to him that he can still contribute to society," Reid said.

Reid said his comments about Herrera also would apply to Erin Kenny, whom he encouraged to run for lieutenant governor in 2002.

Kenny, also a former Clark County commissioner, has pleaded guilty to accepting cash and campaign contributions from Michael Galardi, the owner of three Southern Nevada strip clubs. She is awaiting sentencing.

Tucker Bounds, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, blasted Reid's comments on Herrera.

"At what point does Harry Reid's absurd hypocrisy on corruption become plain disconnect? His refusal to denounce convicted felon Dario Herrera is second only to his relentless attacks on corruption despite his own ties to Jack Abramoff," Bounds said.

Abramoff, a former Washington lobbyist, has pleaded guilty to bribing members of Congress and has been sentenced to almost six years in prison.

Reid has acknowledged receiving almost $61,000 from Abramoff's clients and colleagues but none from Abramoff. Reid said the contributions are lawful and he will not return them.