Nevada: It's Official

​Freshman Rep. Jacky Rosen (D-Las Vegas), largely with the backing of former Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), formally announced her US Senate candidacy after last week confirming that she would run.  Upon nomination, she will face the man generally regarded as the most vulnerable Republican standing for re-election in the 2018 election cycle, Sen. Dean Heller.  
 
Ms. Rosen, at least at the outset, may not have the Democratic field all to herself, however.  Rep. Dina Titus (D-Las Vegas) also says she is considering the Senate option, but has done little to prepare.  Her first quarter fundraising was anemic, and though she claims to be a potential candidate, few appear to be taking her seriously.  For Rosen, newly elected Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), another Reid recruit when she ran last year, publicly endorsed the freshman Congresswoman’s new campaign venture.  This sends a further signal that the Reid forces will strongly support Rep. Rosen, even in a contested primary.