WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US Senate Minority leader Harry Reid’s announcement he would retire is a reflection of the Democratic Party’s disarray and impending defeat in elections, the Republican National Committee (RNC) said in a statement.
“With the Democrat Party already in disarray, a national committee struggling to raise money, and a scandal-plagued presidential frontrunner, it’s no surprise Harry Reid realized he was about to suffer a humiliating defeat and decided to step aside,” RNC Press Secretary Allison Moore stated on Friday.
Reid, 75, who represented the US state of Nevada, announced on Friday he would not seek re-election in 2016.
When the Democrats held the majority, Reid tried to amend procedural rules that made it possible for the Republican minority to block important Democratic initiatives.
Reid underwent eye surgery in January 2015 after a New Year's Day accident on his exercise equipment in which he reportedly broke a number of ribs as well as bones in his face.
US President Barack Obama responded to Reid’s announcement by calling the Senator a friend and ally, and praised Reid for being a fighter willing to make tough decisions.
The Republican National Committee is the fundraising, political strategy and election strategy arm of the US Republican Party.
