Report: Reid faces pressure behind the scenes

While Sen. Harry Reid was re-elected Democratic leader on Tuesday, Roll Call reports today on some of the behind-the-scenes pressures facing the Senate majority leader from troops afraid of losing control of the body in the next election.

Democrats have been "airing grievances" in closed door meetings this week, according to a source quoted by the Capitol Hill newspaper. 

Reid "still faces an unhappy caucus determined to force changes in the way the chamber operates as 23 of them prepared to face voters in 2012," Roll Call reports. Democrats lost six seats in the election earlier this month.

"With 23 up, you're going to have people who are going to say, "What happened last time can't happen to me," the paper quotes one aide. 

Grievances appear to be coming from newer senators, elected in 2006 and 2008, who want more voice in Reid's decisions. The same senators were vocal following the bruising health care debate last year

Roll Call reports Reid turned down a request for a two-day retreat to discuss the caucus. Instead, senators in meetings this week are coming armed with requests for more influence on committees and changes to the Senate's work schedule among other things.

Among the changes Reid is making: He has given Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York more control of messaging and he promoted Mark Begich of Alaska, elected in 2008, to a new leadership spot. 

Roll Call said Reid also promised to switch out his chief of staff. Whether related or not, Reid announced staff changes this morning.

"Reid's defenders note that he was re-elected as leader precisely because he has been willing to facilitate changes to caucus operations," the paper said.