Reid says he's 'proud' of fighting for Nevada earmarks

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he's proud of having sought earmarks for Nevada, and vowed to pursue more in the future.

On the heels of a failed Senate vote to impose a moratorium on earmarks, Reid, the top Senate Democrat, defended the process as an essential service to his constituents.

"I am going to fight for congressionally-directed spending," Reid said during an appearance on the "Nevada Newsmakers" program on KRNV-TV in his home state. "I am proud of that that I've done in the past; I'm going to continue doing what I can."

The Senate voted 68-29 this week to table an amendment by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) that would have established a moratorium on earmarks for this and the next fiscal year. House Democrats and Republicans adopted their own, voluntary restriction on the practice of earmarking last week.

"I'm going to fight for my people in Nevada," said Reid, who's facing a tough reelection battle this fall. Reid has made his authority in the Senate and his ability to deliver for constituents a central element in his campaign.

"If there's money the university needs, I'm not going to depend on Barack Obama to take care of that," Reid stressed. "f there's money that is needed for our parks, for Lake Tahoe, I'm not going to ask the good wishes of the president, I'm going to do what I think is right."

Watch a video of the interview below: