Gibbons says he could beat Democrat Reid in Nevada Senate

RENO -- Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., says he's convinced he could unseat Democratic Sen. Harry Reid next year though he hasn't decided whether to try.

The four-term congressman said he intends to announce by the end of the month whether he'll run against the second-ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate.

"We're very close to making a decision. We are getting the right information that we need to have," Gibbons said in an interview this week.

"One of the questions is whether or not we have the base of support and the resources to win the race," he said.

"My belief is that it would be a very winnable race. We could do it," he told The Associated Press.

On the other hand, Gibbons said he's weighing where he could serve Nevada residents best.

"I'm a senior member of the House. I'm approaching the chairmanship of several important committees that have a direct affect on Nevada," he said.

Gibbons is the vice chairman of the House Resources Committee and believes he has a chance next year to replace retiring Rep. Porter Goss, R-Fla., as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

"Those things weigh very heavily in staying in the House to represent the state of Nevada," he said.

The idea of serving in the Senate is attractive because he said he would be one of 100 members instead of 435.

"You have a chance to move up quickly and you are far more capable of working with an administration in your own party. You have greater influence," he said.

Gibbons said his family will be his top concern in making his decision.

Reid said a week ago he has "no idea" whether Gibbons will try to unseat him.

"I believe, and I've said for several months, that I think Gibbons would be the best person they could choose to run against me. He's the best candidate they could find," Reid said.