As Head Ref, Reid Feels Heat in Health Debate

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has prided himself on his hands-off leadership style, but pretty soon he’s going to get those hands dirty, Politico reports. Reid will soon have to reconcile two radically different health care bills coming out of committee—as if that weren't enough, he’s up for reelection next year, and Republicans have made the Nevadan a top 2010 target.

Reid says his only goal is to craft a bill that will garner 60 yeas. “I have to set aside my personal preferences for the good of the Senate and, I think, the country,” he says. If he fails, Republicans can accuse him of missing a huge opportunity; if he succeeds, they can ding him for focusing on Washington at constituents’ expense. (More Harry Reid stories.)