Harry Reid to remain in Nevada nursing injuries

The Nevada Democrat, while speaking with Las Vegas public radio station KNPR in his first public interview since the accident, said doctors advised him to stay home, fearing that driving could risk further damaging several broken bones he has around his right eye.

But Reid he is working from home despite his limited vision, saying he is in regular contact with his Democratic Senate colleagues in Washington.

“I think I’ve done a good job directing my crew without me actually being physically present at the Capitol,” he said.

Reid added that while doctors are hopeful his eye injuries will heal, there is a possibility he could permanently lose sight in his right eye.

“This isn’t anything that is a slam dunk,” he said. “I had a serious injury in my eye. There was some blood accumulation there and they’re hoping it resolves itself.

“I’m just following their orders. It’s a day-to-day deal.”

Reid said that because of his limited vision he is relying on staff to help him get through his daily workload.

Reid, 75, was hospitalized Jan. 1 after a resistance band he was using while exercising snapped and hit him in the face, causing him to fall.

The former amateur boxer, who prides himself on his daily physical workouts, brushed aside suggestions he’s too old to effectively head the Senate Democrats.

“I don’t know how many people out there could sit down and do 250 pushups or do the strength exercise I did with those bands hundreds and hundreds of times — hundreds of times — every week, three times a week,” he said. “So no one has to question my physical ability.

“I’ve always been very confident in my ability to fight back, and I’m going to continue to fight back.”

Reid, who is up for re-election in 2016, added the accident hasn’t given him pause to step down from the Senate anytime soon.

“I’ve been set back a little bit but I’m in the process of getting setup for the next go-around,” he said.