January 17, 2008
Caucuses In Nevada

By Dave Maxwell

On Saturday, January 19, both Nevada Democrats and Republicans will hold statewide caucuses, although for the most part only the Democratic candidates have bothered to come to Nevada.

The Democratic caucus proves to be the most interesting: a battle between Barack Obama, supported by the powerful Nevada Culinary Union, and Hillary Clinton, supported by Senator Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader, and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley. The Culinary Union, Local 226, influences more than 60,000 workers on the Vegas Strip.

Both Clinton and Obama moved in to the Silver State soon after the New Hampshire primary. Former North Carolina Senator, John Edwards, spent a few days in South Carolina before heading to Las Vegas. They were all scheduled to appear at a Democratic debate held January 15 at the Cashman Center moderated by NBC’s Brian Williams along with Tim Russert and Natalie Morales of NBC. The debate was televised on MSNBC.

Voter turnout estimates for the Nevada caucuses have ranged from 30,000 to 100,000, which would be about one-quarter of the state’s registered Democrats. Polls show Mrs. Clinton having a big lead in Nevada, but as was shown in New Hampshire, how much can you really trust the polls, even up to the last minute?

In stark contrast, Republicans bypassed Nevada and spent little or no time here, heading instead to Michigan, South Carolina and Florida. The South Carolina primary is the same day as the Nevada caucuses, January 19.

Lincoln County Republicans meet Saturday, January 19 at 9:00 a.m. Republican precincts for Caliente, Pioche and Panaca meet at Caliente City Hall, while the Alamo and Rachel precincts meet in Alamo at the Alamo Annex.

Lincoln County Democrats will meet Saturday, January 19. Registration starts at 11:00 a.m., caucus starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Olson Senior Center in Caliente, the Pioche Town Hall, Panaca Town Board room, and in Alamo at the Senior Center.