Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid trailing in 2010 reelection bid

A poll released today shows Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) trailing two potential Republican opponents in next year's election, a troubling sign for the nation's top Democrat in the Senate.

The Mason-Dixon poll shows Reid trailing Republican Danny Tarkanian by 11 points, 49% to 38% and Sue Lowden by 45% to 40%. Tarkanian is a former star basketball player for the University of Nevada at Las Vegas and the son of the school's legendary basketball coach. He has previously run for state senate and as the secretary of state of Nevada, losing both races. Lowden is the Chairwoman of Nevada's Republican Party and previous state senator. Senator Reid has long been listed as one of the most vulnerable Democratic targets in 2010, with an approval rating at just 37%. The Republican Party has tried to recruit Congressman Dean Heller to run against Reid, but he declined, so it remains to be seen who will end up taking on Reid next year. Political analysts say that any incumbent with an approval rating below 50% as dangerous, especially ones below 40%. While the election is 14 months off still, fundraising and public events has already begun for candidates across the country. Most experts agree that the fate of the Democrats will be tied to the success or failure of the Obama Administration. Reid is considered to be the highest ranking Democrat that is vulnerable to a potential challenger in the upcoming midterm elections.