Harry Reid's 10 biggest gaffes: Will his reelection bid suffer?

Kirsten Gillibrand is the “hottest” senator. Delaware Senate candidate Chris Coons is Sen. Harry Reid’s “pet.” And President Obama is popular because he’s “light-skinned.”

In Washington, and around the country, Democratic Senate majority leader Reid has become known for his gaffes.

In most cases, they’re clear cases of speaking before he thinks – plus a tin ear for how statements may be perceived.

But in the age of blogging and 24-hour news, Senator Reid’s comments can take on a life of their own – and reach a large audience.

And in the midst of a vicious neck-and-neck race for reelection against "tea party" favorite Sharron Angle, Reid may find that his tongue is his worst enemy.

Reid has been a lawmaker in Washington for 28 years. Here are 10 of Reid’s biggest and most recent gaffes:

• Hot senator? This week, Reid referred to New York Senator Gillibrand as the “hottest member” of the Senate, at a fundraiser hosted by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. He says was making a joking reference to Gillibrand’s place on the “Most Beautiful” list put out by Capitol newspaper The Hill.

• "Pet" Coons. Last week Reid characterized Mr. Coons, up for election in Delaware, as “my pet.” Coons quickly issued a statement emphasizing his independence.

• Hispanic Republicans? In August, Reid said, “I don’t know how anyone of Hispanic heritage could be a Republican. Do I need to say more?” He later backtracked, saying that he meant to say that he didn’t understand how anyone – Hispanic or otherwise – could vote for a Republican candidate because of GOP policies.

1 | 2

Next