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Political world reacts to death of Harry Reid

Former Sen. Harry Reid, shown at an event last year, died Tuesday. The nation's political leaders recalled his humble origins and commitment to working people.
Associated Press

Former Sen. Harry Reid, shown at an event last year, died Tuesday. The nation's political leaders recalled his humble origins and commitment to working people.

From President Joe Biden on down, the political world reacted to Tuesday’s death of former Sen. and Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. Here is a sampling of their comments:

President Joe Biden

During the two decades we served together in the United States Senate, and the eight years we worked together while I served as Vice President, Harry met the marker for what I’ve always believed is the most important thing by which you can measure a person—their action and their word.

Vice President Kamala Harris

Leader Reid got things done: from expanding access to healthcare through the Affordable Care Act to getting economic relief to families and businesses through the Recovery Act, and much more, he made a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer

He was tough-as-nails strong, but caring and compassionate, and always went out of his way quietly to help people who needed help. He’s gone but he will walk by the sides of many of us in the Senate every single day.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

As a son of a miner and a laundress, raised in a humble childhood, Senator Reid was a leader with strong family values, a pioneer spirit, and an unyielding commitment to lift up others. In the Congress, his strategic mind was legendary and unsurpassed – and he was a master of the legislative process during his service in both the House and the Senate. Indeed, Harry Reid will be remembered as one of the most impactful leaders of the Senate in history.

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto

Senator Reid was an inspiration to me and so many Nevadans. A former boxer from Searchlight, he taught me that it is always worth fighting the good fight...Senator Reid carried our state to new heights-nobody has

Sen. Jacky Rosen

Sen. Reid was an inspiration to me and so many Nevadans. A former boxer from Searchlight, he taught me that it is always worth fighting the good fight...Senator Reid carried our state to new heights-nobody has..

Rep. Dina Titus

From blocking Yucca Mountain to protecting public lands, Senator Reid helped make Nevadans' voices heard in Washington. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.

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Rep. Susie Lee:

He never forgot where he came from — he loved Nevada fiercely, and he devoted his life to making our state a better place. Simply put, no one has done more for the Silver State.

Rep. Steven Horsford

Over his five decades of public service, he transformed the lives of millions, but never forgot his small-town roots in Searchlight. His legacy will live on through his work to expand affordable health care, protect immigrant communities, promote conservation, and better the lives of working families.

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak

What I appreciate most about Senator Reid’s legacy is he never forgot who he was or where he came from. From humble beginnings in Searchlight, he became one of the state’s most powerful and fiercest advocates in Washington, DC. He spent his life and his career fighting the good fight for all Nevadans. I feel lucky to have known him.

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman

Sen. Reid was first a family man, and every time I was with him or spoke to him he asked first about our family and told me about his family with great pride.