Pressed to run for Senate, Sandoval noncommittal

WASHINGTON — Pressed by Republicans in Washington to run against Sen. Harry Reid, Gov. Brian Sandoval shrugged off the idea Wednesday, at least for the time being.

Re-elected by a wide margin this month and preparing for the Nevada legislative session that starts in February, Sandoval said his focus for now is on the governor’s job.

“I’m working on my legislative priorities. I’m working on a budget,” Sandoval said in Carson City. “I have not had any specific conversations with anybody” about running for the U.S. Senate.

Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., told reporters in Washington on Wednesday that Republicans will wait “a little bit of time” for Sandoval to make a decision.

Heller said “of course” he has reached out to Sandoval to run, and other Republicans have as well. Reid, the Senate Democratic leader who will turn 75 next month, is considered among the more vulnerable Democrats up for re-election in 2016.

Heller is running to become chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the chief fundraising and campaign arm of the Senate Republicans.

GOP senators, who captured Senate control in the elections last week, are scheduled to vote today. Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi also is running for the post.

Heller indicated if named to the post, he would make defeating Reid a priority.

“At this point, it’s about business,” Heller said when asked about Reid. “It’s not just about being in the majority; it’s about staying in the majority. We will do whatever it takes to make that happen.”

Reid spokeswoman Kristen Orthman responded: “Senator Reid and Senator Heller have known each other for a long time. Working together they are able to do good things for Nevada and that is our top priority.”

Carson City bureau chief Sean Whaley contributed to this story.