Clinton Tries to Drum Up Support From Nevada's Hispanic Voters

By: Fernando Suarez
Topics: Hillary Clinton

(CBS)

From CBS News' Fernando Suarez:

LAS VEGAS -- Hillary Clinton launched a huge effort to court Hispanic voters in Nevada this week, hoping to get a sizable number to caucus for her next Saturday. During a campaign stop in Las Vegas, Clinton stood before a sign that reads "Juntos con Hillary, Una Vida Mejor" (which means 'With Hillary, a Better Life'). "We're going to see, finally, issues that are important to Nevada on the front pages," Clinton told the crowd of around 200 supporters.

Clinton, fresh off a New Hampshire primary victory, faces a tough contest in Nevada as she runs neck-and-neck with Barack Obama.

During her brief, 10-minute remarks, Clinton took a subtle jab at Obama saying, "I don't believe this election is about me. I never believed that elections are about the speeches you make or the TV coverage you get, because when the camera turns off and the lights are down, what are you going to do to help somebody have a better life, what are you going to do?"

The Nevada caucuses were moved up to January 19 this year in an effort by the Democratic Party to diversify the early voting contests. Turnout in Nevada in years past has been very low, only drawing about 9,000 voters in 2004.

Meantime, Obama has gained the coveted endorsement of the Culinary Workers' Union that boasts 60,000 members. The Clinton campaign acknowledges the importance of the endorsement but has downplayed how effective it is by pointing out turnout rates.

Clinton was joined on stage at the Sheet Metal Workers' Union with her National Hispanic Leadership Council who is made up of various Latino leaders from Congress including Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J. Her get out the vote effort will cover most of Las Vegas and parts of Henderson.

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by g02342000 January 13, 2008 12:54 PM EST: John Edwards is the only one that will fight poverty and bring health care and education to the poor & middle class of America. The Edwards / Biden ticket would be the best Presidency for all America, anything less will be as bad as keeping Bush in office forever. America deserves honest men of integrity that will fight for all Americans. Edwards is a true patriot that can make America great, he has the substinance, determination, and will to fight greed, corruption and end the outsourcing of our jobs, His economic, education, health and welfare policies are now being copied by all the canidates. Edwards spoke out months and even years before the others. America needs to think about why are the "Washington Greed, Corruption, Large Corporations and Media" trying to make this a two candidate Democratic race? Edwards is the only one able to win the Presidency from the democratic side, and any republican that is nominated will beat Clinton and/or Obama. Only Edwards can fix Bush''s mistakes!; Reply to this comment


by BrandoPolo January 12, 2008 8:45 PM EST: Hopefully, Nevada''s voters will prove to be as tough and sensible as New Hampshire voters, and that they will choose competence over charisma and action over words.

Hillary has so much experience, it''s ridiculous:

1970, provided free legal advice to the poor and researched for the Senate Subcommittee on Migratory Labor.
1974, member of the Watergate impeachment staff.
1977, co-founder of the Arkansas Advocate for Children and Families.
1978, board member of the Legal Services Corporation successfully fighting President Reagan%u2019s attempts to reduce funding.
1979, chair of the Rural Health Advisory Committee, successfully expanding health care funding in poor areas of Arkansas.
1982-1992, chair of the Arkansas Educational Association, raising educational standards statewide.
1992-2000. Most important advisor in the White House.
2000-2008. State senator, sits on several important committee.

Meaning Hillary has been a public servant since Obama has been in diapers. He dipped his toe in the Senate, and now a year later he thinks he''s qualified to be President? Really?; Reply to this comment