And so it begins...

From Eric Dondero:

The body has not even been put into the ground; but already top Democrat Senate leaders are angling for Harry Reid's majority or minority leader spot. From Fox News and Reuters comes the very first indications this morning that Democrats see Harry Reid in serious danger of reelection.

From the Fox News Politics Blog:

Angle has shown a small but sturdy lead in recent polls, and names are being whispered about as potential replacements for Reid as the Democratic leader in the Senate. One likely replacement is his whip, Dick Durbin. Another possible replacement is Chuck Schumer who has been doling out campaign cash to other Senate Democrats who are in trouble.

What goes around...

And this ominous note from Reuters:

If Reid is defeated in the U.S. congressional elections on November 2, his Senate colleagues would move quickly to pick a successor.

Senate Democrats would vote in a secret ballot after Congress returns to work on November 15.

HOPEFULS MAY CAMPAIGN ON ELECTION NIGHT

If and when Reid is declared defeated, potential successors may begin calling other Senate Democrats to line up support.

That is what Reid did in 2004 when it became clear that Daschle would lose. Reid, then assistant Senate Democratic leader, quickly announced he had secured the votes for the job.

It's the Chicago way

And at least one candidate for Senate is already jumping ahead of the game.

From The Hill:

Giannoulias said that if he were elected, and if Democrats were looking for a replacement for Reid as party leader, he'd back Durbin, the current No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, over Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).

"Chuck Schumer's a wonderful guy, but I'm a Durbin guy," Giannoulias said Wednesday evening on MSNBC.

"Let's just say that Senator Durbin is a great friend, a great senior senator," Giannoulias explained.

Of course, Giannoulias has to win his election first. Current polls have him behind from 1 to 4%. Ironically, it's just as likely that his opponent Mark Kirk will be voting for the new "Senate Majority leader"; Mitch McConnell or Jim DeMint.