He has won six of eight previous attempts for five different offices, often by narrow margins, since he was first elected to the state legislature at the age of 28. Jon Ralston, who publishes a political newsletter, said the Reid-Ensign race also could be decided by a few hundred votes. The two candidates are virtually tied in polls taken by both sides and two casinos. Results of Nevada's extensive early-voting system give Democrats a narrow edge.
All polls are within the margin of error.
The tightness of the race is good news for Reid, who seemed to be in free fall a few weeks ago. Culinary and construction unions have organized effectively, taking advantage of the fact that casinos and hotels cannot easily move away to take advantage of lower wages, as industries do in other states. Reno has not experienced the explosive growth of Clark County, and Reid is valued in northern Nevada for resolving thorny environmental and water issues. He has been endorsed by the Reno Gazette-Journal, which more often than not supports Republican candidates. Sig Rogich, the state's premier political consultant and adviser to GOP gubernatorial nominee Kenny Guinn, said a spot poll of 250 early voters in Reno showed both Guinn and Reid leading by 2 to 1 margins.