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Sen. Charles Schumer of New York stands a podium March 3 as Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada looks on. Reid is backing Schumer to be his replacement as Democratic leader. J. Scott Applewhite/AP hide caption

Sen. Charles Schumer of New York stands a podium March 3 as Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada looks on. Reid is backing Schumer to be his replacement as Democratic leader.

Harry Reid's exit could have ignited a scramble to fill the power vacuum among Senate Democrats.

But the Nevada senator is doing his best to avoid what he called a "knock-down, drag-out fight" by endorsing Charles Schumer, the New York Democrat better known as Chuck, who has been Reid's top lieutenant for years.

"He will be elected to replace me in 22 months," Reid told KNPR about Schumer. "One reason that will happen is because I want him to be my replacement."

Reid called Schumer "a brilliant man" and "a tremendous asset."

Paul Kane of The Washington Post, who first reported Friday that Reid had endorsed Schumer, also noted per Reid that another possible candidate, Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin, was likely to stand aside. A Durbin spokesman later told National Journal Friday that Durbin would not run. "Schumer has his support," the spokesman said. "Durbin intends to run again for Whip and has Senator Reid's support. He's been speaking with senators this morning."

Schumer a high-profile, camera-loving New Yorker is a very different type of leader than the softer-spoken, rules-maven Reid. Schumer has been waiting in the wings of power for years. He's been widely seen as the most influential Democrat in the Senate not named Reid.

Schumer has been by Reid's side and in his ear for a decade and is responsible for much of the caucus's messaging. In fact, Schumer and Reid merged communications offices to have a more unified voice.

Sen. Patty Murray, the highest-ranking woman in Senate Democratic leadership, is another potential candidate to replace Reid. Elaine Thompson/AP hide caption

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What Reid Endorsing Schumer As Top Democrat Means