Massive Deficit Underscores Reid’s Vulnerability

Thursday, 12 November 2009 00:00

WASHINGTON - In the wake of the massive level of government spending approved during the first 10 months of the Democrat-controlled Congress this year, the U.S. Treasury Department announced today that the federal deficit was $176 billion for the month of October alone.

October’s $176 billion deficit means that under the current Administration’s policies, the federal government is borrowing money at the staggering rate of $5.6 billion a day, $236 million a hour, and $3.9 million a minute. This means that every second, the federal government is going another $65,000 in debt.

As Senator Majority Leader, Harry Reid (D-NV) has led at the helm of the Democrats’ out-of-control spending spree. But as Nevada’s unemployment rate continues to rise during the current economic crisis, polls demonstrate that Reid’s uphill 2010 re-election bid is greatly at risk thanks to his reckless spending agenda in Washington.

"The record level of deficit spending supported by Harry Reid is not just alarming - it’s dangerously negligent. Nevada’s unemployment is 13.3 percent and Harry Reid’s response is to tax, borrow, and spend on the backs of our children and grandchildren," said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Brian Walsh.

"Reid voted for the $3.5 trillion budget, he led the way for the failed $787 billion ‘stimulus’ legislation," Walsh continued. "Now Harry Reid wants to borrow yet another trillion dollars to implement a government takeover of our health care system. When is enough, enough?"

"Reid’s record of fiscal irresponsibility will be a key issue in his bid for re-election next year as Nevadans search for checks and balances against one-party over-spending in Washington. Nevada taxpayers deserve a Senator who will put their interests first and ensure the government lives within its means just as the families and seniors in Harry Reid’s state are forced to do every day," Walsh concluded.

Background Information

Reid Voted In Favor Of Obama’s Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Resolution. (S. Con. Res. 13, CQ Vote #173: Adopted 53-43: R 0-40; D 51-3; I 2-0, 4/29/09, Reid Voted Yea)

Reid Voted In Favor Of The Massive "Stimulus" Bill. (H.R. 1, CQ Vote #64: Adopted (thus cleared for the president) 60-38: R 3-38; D 55-0; I 2-0, 2/13/09, Reid Voted Yea)

Nevada’s Unemployment Rate Was 13.3% In September. (U.S. Department Of Labor’s Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 11/12/09)