Harry Reid's Falling Approval Rating

National Journal reports that a Mason-Dixon poll shows that Harry Reid's approval rating in Nevada has dropped 10 points since 2004. This isn't especially surprising; it's the same thing that happened to Tom Daschle. When a Democratic Senator in a conservative state becomes the lead spokesman for his party, it makes it much tougher to appear reasonable and moderate, with a focus on constituents.

Nevada. Senate Minority Leader Reid's popularity in his home state has declined since his elevation to his leadership post following the 2004 elections, according to a survey by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc. Those in Nevada who view him favorably slipped 10 points since 2004, while those who view Reid unfavorably rose by 14 points. The poll found 43 percent viewed Reid favorably while 39 percent viewed him unfavorably. Analysts say Reid's status as Democratic leader has led many Republicans to denounce him as an obstructionist, Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. Reid's camp shrugged off the results. The survey of 625 regular voters was conducted last Monday through Wednesday and has a 4-point error margin.

Reid is not up for re-election until 2010, so I wouldn't spend too much time trying to figure whether this will make him vulnerable.