Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid may be injured but he's still large and in charge.
The powerful Nevada Democrat, who lost his majority post to Kentucky's Mitch McConnell when the GOP took over the Senate after the midterm elections, is working hard in the new year to make sure he's not forgotten while on the mend, making myriad phone calls to colleagues and the president as he keeps his business on track,
Politico reported.
Reid, 75 and a fitness buff, still bears the bruises after a New Year's Day accident when he fell while exercising and suffered four broken ribs and a serious injury to his right eye socket.
Noted Politico of his busy schedule, even as he recuperates: "From his telephone, he's quieted speculation internally that he'll retire, telling Senate Democratic campaign head Jon Tester, on a conference call, that he's running for re-election next year so he wouldn't have to worry about finding a replacement in Nevada.
"He's been involved in recruiting decisions for next year's Senate races, even making clear his preference that the party establishment not endorse a Democratic candidate in the California Senate primary, several people said."
Showing his characteristic toughness, Reid returned to Washington battered, but still in fighting spirit,
The Washington Times reported, as he walked the halls of the Capitol with a giant bandage over his broken eye socket.
He is expected to undergo surgery on Monday, the Times said, to repair the bones and to drain blood that has pooled behind his eye, leaving him partially blinded.
Reid remained determined, holding his first press briefing in his Senate offices. He has not yet returned to the Senate floor, but he assured that he was focused on his job,
The Washington Post said.
“Nothing has changed,” Reid told reporters. “At this stage I’m fully intending to run."