Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has become the most prominent Democrat to oppose the construction of a mosque and Islamic center in Lower Manhattan two blocks from Ground Zero. A spokesperson for Reid said Monday, “The First Amendment protects freedom of religion. Senator Reid respects that, but thinks that the mosque should be built someplace else.” Reid’s comments come at a time when he is facing a tough reelection battle in Nevada with tea party favorite Sharron Angle. Here in New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg continues to be a vocal supporter of the Islamic center. On Monday, Bloomberg said it would be “a sad day for America” if the rising criticism killed the proposal. Meanwhile, Lawrence Wilkerson, the former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell, has said the effort to block the mosque could harm US relations overseas. Wilkerson told Media Matters, “The impact on our military people would be injurious if we say 'no.' It would put another instrument in the hands of those who want to exploit the fear that Americans are at war with Islam and not the radical elements within it.”