Reid: 'If the Election Were Held Today, I'd Win'

There's a reason he's been called "an inspiration to dour, foolish men everywhere."

He's down by double digits to former Nevada newscaster and state party official Sue Lowden and down in the high single digits to Republican Danny Tarkanian, but he's confident.

He's relying on the vote being split between Republicans and several independent candidates:

“If the election were held today, I'd win,” he said during an interview on his rural tour bus between stops in Minden and Carson City.

Reid pointed out that the general election ballot could have eight candidates for U.S. senator: himself, the Republican primary survivor, four independents, an Independent American Party candidate and a Tea Party candidate. Some frustrated voters may choose the ballot's ninth option: None of the above.

“Do the math,” said Reid candidly.

His remarks came after he spoke to a rally in Carson City of...150. A rally featuring Sarah Palin in Reid's hometown drew many thousands.

Reid leads his prospective Republican competitors in fundraising thus far in his quest to raise an unprecedented $25 million to defend his seat. But in other states, where the Republican primary has a clearer front-runner than in Nevada, the enthusiasm gap shows itself with Republicans Marco Rubio, Pat Toomey, and Mark Kirk all outraising the Majority Leader in the first quarter.