Report: Lobbyists backing Reid in a big way

In Nevada's Senate race, lobbyists are putting their money behind Sen. Harry Reid and in a big way, according to an analysis this morning in Politico.

As the race heated up in June, registered lobbyists gave $56,000 to the Senate majority leader in just a few weeks. Republican challenger Sharron Angle? Just $500.

Since the beginning of 2009, Reid is "blowing away" his challenger in money from K Street, with lobbyists and political action committees bundling $519,000, according to Politico. Angle? Yet to report any bundled donations.

Some Republican donors are still not sure whether they can take Angle's candidacy seriously. Others worry that a less friendly Democrat might take over Senate leadership if Reid loses.

"And others are just plain scared that they might face Reid's wrath should he pull off a victory in November," Politico reported. It quoted one Republican lobbyist as remarking: "Harry Reid has a long memory."

Party leaders put their spin on the issue. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said he bought into the retribution theory. Sen. Robert Menendez,  D-N.J., said Reid's haul was attributed to his effectiveness.

Politico noted GOP lobbyists could decide to open their wallets for Angle after Labor Day if the race is tight. 

And the Angle campaign pointed out that Reid's ties to Washington lobbyists could become a liability for him in a year where voters are suspicious of cozy relationships between lawmakers and special interests.

"Harry Reid bought into Washington and Washington bought him," Angle's  campaign spokesman told the paper.

For their part, Reid campaign officials emphasized the incumbent has raised $3 million from Nevada donors, and has received strong support from gaming, the state's top industry.