Campaigns making final push before Democrats’ caucus
The political fortunes of two candidates for president are in the hands of Nevada Democratic voters.
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are fiercely fighting for a win in the Democratic caucus, which starts at 11 a.m. today.
Nevada is the third early voting state for Democrats. Both sides need Nevada.
For Clinton, a win would demonstrate her campaign's ability to wage a superior ground game.
For Sanders, a win would show he can appeal to a broad electorate in an ethnically diverse state like Nevada. The Nevada contest comes after Clinton had a narrow victory in the Iowa Democratic caucus and Sanders, an independent senator from Vermont, won the New Hampshire primary.
Sanders and Clinton staged rallies in Southern Nevada on Friday evening, the culmination of months of campaigning and part of a final push to get voters to caucus.
A crowd of about 2,000 applauded as former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton and Hillary Clinton took the stage during a Friday night rally at the Clark County Government Center's amphitheater.
"I couldn't imagine a better president for the world that I want my children to grow up in than my mom," Chelsea Clinton said.
Bill Clinton encouraged the group to caucus for the former secretary of state, saying she'll shepherd the country into increased economic prosperity.
"We're diverse, young, vibrant and wonderful, but most of us have not had a pay raise in a long time," he said.
The former president said: "We've got a bright future but not everybody's sure they can walk through the golden door. ... That's what this election's about."
"She's the best change-maker I've every known," Bill Clinton said.
Hillary Clinton thanked her organizers, staff and volunteers, reminding them of the task ahead.
"It all culminates tomorrow at 11 a.m. when you and all the people you have touched and talked to come to caucus," she said.
Clinton said she'd fight to "knock down every barrier."
"Imagine a tomorrow where your hard work will be rewarded with the income and the benefits that you deserve," she said. "Imagine a tomorrow where we have more good-paying jobs so every American that wants to work has a chance to work."
She reminded the group of the roaring economy of the 1990s, when her husband was president and incomes rose for all, "not just those at the top."
She said she'll work to find solutions amid the ideological partisanship in Washington, D.C.
"I will do whatever it takes to find common ground," she said.
Sanders addresses net metering
Sanders rallied supporters Friday night with a concert and speech at the Henderson Pavilion, where a rowdy crowd of more than 2,000 chanting "Bernie" welcomed him.
In his speech, Sanders acknowledged women, the gay community and communities of color.
Sanders called for a path toward citizenship for undocumented immigrants, saying: "If Congress doesn't do its job, I will do my job and use my executive power."
Sanders described the criminal justice system as "broken" and vowed to "demilitarize" police departments and make them look "more like the communities they serve."
Referencing the Nevada Public Utilities Commission's adoption of new net metering rates, Sanders called for the state to reverse the changes.
"Nevada has the opportunity to lead this country in solar power," Sanders said.
Sanders attributed his campaign's surge to its willingness to take on "big money" and other special interests.
"We are gaining momentum because the people are tired of establishment politics," said Sanders.
By early Friday afternoon in Henderson, hundreds were lined up outside the pavilion.
Toward the front of the line was 69-year-old Elaine Sherman, a retired Valley teacher and soon-to-be Democrat.
Sherman, a lifelong Republican, said she was changing parties after what she described as "bickering and back-stabbing" among GOP candidates.
"We need to hear the issues," Sherman said.
Sherman was leaning toward Sanders but wanted to hear more from him on health care and foreign policy, she said.
Farther down the growing line of people was Tejas Amaya, 20, his sister Martha Amaya, 22, and Carlos Turcios, 25.
Martha Amaya said she had been unable to make it to previous Sanders events because she studies and works the graveyard shift at a warehouse. She said she heard about the rally though the concert alert service Bandsintown, which publicized the Chicano Batman performance.
The trio, who plan to caucus Saturday, said they like Sanders because he seems genuine and not beholden to wealthy donors.
Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904. Find him on Twitter: @BenBotkin1. Contact Alexander S. Corey at acorey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0270. Find him on Twitter: @acoreynews
