Harry Reid is too big to fail?

Conventional wisdom says Nevadans must -- must! -- re-elect Harry Reid to the U.S. Senate. Not because he's been a good Nevada senator, but because he's become all powerful in Washington, D.C.. He's kinda like the AIG for Nevada politics -- "too big to fail".

I'm not buying that bedtime story, and you shouldn't either. As I am always careful to say, however, this doesn't mean Reid should not be re-elected. But if he is, it should be because you, the voter, believe him to be the best choice for Nevada, not because he has achieved some kind of status inside the Beltway. That's why when Reid supporters, even at this early date, make the "R-U-Stupid? Power" argument for Reid, I tell them "OK, I'll drink the Kool-Aid if you can tell me exactly how that 'power' has benefitted Nevadans".  And the answer so far has been pregnant silence. 

So far as I can see, Sen. Reid's delivered to Nevada about what any old senator could deliver through the corrupt Washington patronage system. As for important changes such as, say, a broader job base for Nevadans, Reid's been less than a garden variety player.

Now, some will argue that is a point in Reid's favor. Part of what ails the Washington merry-go-round is the earmark seniority patronage system. I'm OK with that argument. And some will say that Harry's good for Nevada because his liberal politics are in perfect sync with the soft socialism plan of President Obama. I don't agree, but I am also OK with those who wish to make that argument.

But, please, I beg you, don't tell me we must re-elect Harry because he's got a big office in Washington, D.C. I'm not OK with that argument. When the power elite of Nevada make that argument to me privately, what that usually means after a bit of questioning is that Harry did them a personal little favor -- like expedite a passport, snag a photo-op with a dignitary, or set up a meeting with a bank or a federal agency (which these days could be the same thing).

In a future column, I'm going to reveal what I think is the best argument for re-electing Harry Reid. (I am sure he's waiting anxiously.) Truth is it is actually a pretty fair argument and it does have something to do with constructive future use of power by Reid on behalf of Nevadans.

In the meanwhile, when you strip away the "power" argument, it is amusing to see the stammering and lame defense of Harry Reid from the usual suspects. I missed this one from the Nevada Democratic Party. Take a look at it for your reading enjoyment. Besides giving me the Bronx cheer for asking the kinds of questions all Nevada voters should ask, the party then attempts to defend Harry by citing the pork he extracted from the "stimulus" bill. Not strong, if you ask me. But, as always, while I may have the first word, you have the last word. You be the judge.