With GW located so near the heart of the U.S. government and national politics, it is not surprising that numerous GW alumni are actively engaged in political discourse and that many GW undergraduates aspire to political posts. Enter Harry M. Reid, a GW Law School graduate and senator from Nevada. Reid was recently named Senate Minority Leader. His small-town upbringing, charming demeanor, and national political stature have earned Reid the respect of his colleagues.

Reid graduated from the Law School in 1964. He was active during those years, integrating a rigorous academic schedule with an evening job as a U.S. Capitol police officer. After graduation, Reid and his family returned to Nevada, where he served as Henderson’s City Attorney. In 1968, at the age of 28, he was elected to the Nevada State Assembly. His respected Assembly record included legislation to protect the environment and consumers. Having garnered widespread public support, he was elected lieutenant governor in 1970 and was later appointed chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Reid’s Washington career began in 1982 with his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served two terms. Elected to the Senate in 1986, Reid has never let party politics get in the way of reasonable compromise. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) praised Senator Reid’s work, saying, “We all respect Senator Reid. He is one of the moderate voices around here who tries to get things to work.” His reputation for fairness has earned him four terms in the Senate and the title of Democratic Whip. With a moderate stance on most issues, Reid has been able to bridge the deep political divide in this country. As the next Senate Minority leader, Reid will utilize his skills to unify the Democratic Party.