Republican leader Bill Raggio endorses Harry Reid

Senate Minority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, today endorsed Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in his difficult re-election bid against Republican Sharron Angle.

In a statement, Raggio described Angle as an “ineffective” four-term assemblywoman who could not get along with others and said only Reid sought his endorsement.

Angle tried to oust Raggio in the 2008 Republican primary, but lost to the iconic Northern Nevada senator.

“After losing to me in a primary, during which she ran a very negative campaign and distorted my record, referred to me as a liar and a RINO, I never heard one word from her, or a concession, or an offer of support,” Raggio said. “Instead, she lent aid and comfort to an effort to recall me as State Senator.”

Raggio’s decision to endorse Reid isn’t much of a surprise given his history with Angle. But some speculate it could make his leadership of the Senate Republican caucus difficult next session.