Harry Reid: “I am very happy for all Nevadans today that Senator Kerry is now beginning a message of positive accomplishments in the…”

“I am very happy for all Nevadans today that Senator Kerry is now beginning a message of positive accomplishments in the State of Nevada. We have waited some time for this. The Democratic nominee was really selected the first part of March. During the 60 days since then, Senator Kerry has been obligated to get his campaign in order after the very difficult and hectic primary. Of course, during this period of time there has been $70 million spent to try to define him in a way that was very negative. Senator Kerry's message beginning today is one of a very positive message. It, of course, talks about his being a combat veteran and having received a number of awards for heroism during the time he fought in the jungles of southeast Asia. Senator Kerry not only was decorated for his bravery, but some of those acts of bravery occurred during a time when he was injured. One time when he was injured, he directed fire to protect somebody who had been knocked off his swift boat into the water, and Senator Kerry himself brought this man to safety even though Senator Kerry himself was injured at the time. The message to the people of Nevada is that he cares about people, especially the middle class. He is a man of principle. I have served with Senator Kerry now in Congress for some 22 years. He has had extensive experience in State government. He has served the people of Massachusetts now for 30 years.”