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