Obama Praises Reid as a Fighter Upon Retirement Announcement

President Barack Obama is calling Harry Reid "a fighter" and says the Senate won't be the same without him.

The president is giving his thoughts now that the Senate Democratic leader says he'll retire at the end of his term next year.

In a written statement, Obama says "Harry has become not only an ally, but a friend." The president says he's proud of what he and Reid have accomplished together.

Obama praises the boxer-turned-lawmaker for fighting for good jobs, a safer environment and affordable health care. He says Reid never backs down from a tough decision.

Obama also says Reid has never forgotten his roots as the son of a miner and a maid from the tiny town of Searchlight, Nevada.