Schumer Moves Fast to Succeed Reid After Decade Waiting in the Wings
With the Senate Democratic leader's departure, the New York senator is seen as his most likely successor.
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol March 17, 2015 in Washington, DC.
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Senator Chuck Schumer is emerging as the likely successor to Harry Reid as the chamber’s Democratic leader after 2016, maneuvering quickly to lock down support after a decade of positioning himself for this promotion.
The New York Democrat, already an architect of the party’s political, fund-raising and media operations, would add the institutional power that belongs to top Senate leaders. The move from third-ranking Senate Democrat to the No. 1 post as minority leader would consolidate his power.