Nevada treasurer explores U.S. Senate bid

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Nevada state Treasurer Brian Krolicki has taken the first steps in a campaign for U.S. Senate against Democrat Harry Reid.

Krolicki, a Republican, created an exploratory committee to examine the possibility of running against Reid in 2004 and plans to travel to Washington to gather support, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Wednesday.

Other Republicans, including 2nd Congressional District Rep. Jim Gibbons, have already taken a pass on challenging Reid, the Senate's minority whip.

Krolicki, who is in his second term as treasurer, cannot run for re-election to that post because of term limits. Reid, who is seeking his fourth term, last won re-election by just over 400 votes.