2008 Caucus Guide

Chris Morris / Las Vegas Sun

For the first time, Nevada’s Democrats and Republicans will have a chance to play a stronger role in who the nominees will be for president by being among a select group of states picked to hold primaries and caucuses in January.

Caucus 101: A basic guide on how to participate. Or, read more about the logistics of Jan. 19.

By being one of the early states, Nevada’s caucuses are hoped to gain the state more national attention, bring in more presidential candidates and thus raise awareness of Western issues. More background...

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Interactive Graphic: Clark County Political Breakdown

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From The Politics Blog

Reid to employ his 'softer' side: WASHINGTON — So which Sen. Harry Reid will show up in the new Congress?

Ensign: Porter could challenge Reid: WASHINGTON — Sen. John Ensign said today that his fellow Republican colleague in Nevada, Rep. Jon Porter, remains a viable candidate to challenge Senate Majority ...

Reid on Lieberman: Not time for retribution: WASHINGTON — Ten senators spoke. The debate lasted 1 1/2 hours. The result this morning was an overwhelming vote to allow renegade Sen. Joe Lieberman ...

By 'osmosis' Reid chosen to lead: WASHINGTON — In the end, there were no challenges to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. No attempted coup by a certain New York senatorwho had ...

Titus goes to Washington: WASHINGTON — Rep.-elect Dina Titus is in town, taking her freshmen class photo this morning on the Capitol steps and attending orientation sessions for newcomers.

Link Detroit bailout to fuel efficiency, groups tell Congress: WASHINGTON — A coalition of energy and environmental groups is insisting that any taxpayer aid for the U.S. automakers comes with green strings attached to ...

Nuclear industry exec resigns: WASHINGTON — The head of the nuclear industry’s main lobbying arm is stepping down.

Reid to push for smaller stimulus package: WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said this morning he will press forward with a smaller economic stimulus package that includes extended unemployment benefits ...

Politics Stories

Legislators, governor mum on budget cut discussions: By David McGrath Schwartz; After a grueling day at the Interim Finance Committee, where legislators heard and approved some more painful cuts, they went over to meet with Gov. Jim Gibbons.

State GOP looks to Ensign for renewal: POLITICS: Embraced by Republicans as natural ‘go-to guy,’ senator inherits task of rebuilding; By Lisa Mascaro; Since the Nevada Republican Party endured enormous losses on Election Day, Republican Sen. John Ensign seems to have been channeling his Senate colleague, Democratic Sen. Harry Reid.

Buckley announces Democratic committee assignments: By Sun Staff; Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, today announced Democratic committee assignments for the 2009 Legislature.

Big bonuses in Republic merger: COUNTY COMMISSION:; By Michael Mishak , Joe Schoenmann; A proposed $5 billion merger between Republic Services and Allied Waste Industries Inc. includes compensation packages totaling $71 million to $152 million for the top people at the companies, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

NLV senior center idea not flying: CITY GOVERNMENT: Councilwoman in mayoral bid presses notion despite declining tax revenue, new facility opening in 2010; By Mike Trask; North Las Vegas will soon have its third community center for residents of all ages but it doesn’t have any reserved for the exclusive use of its seniors. City Councilwoman Stephanie Smith wants to change that.

A swipe at looming term limits: LOOKING IN ON: CARSON CITY: Lawmaker facing ouster seeks repeal of 1996 amendment; By Cy Ryan; Sen. Maurice Washington, R-Sparks, has asked that a constitutional amendment be drawn up to repeal the ban on serving more than 12 years in either the Senate or Assembly.

Texan picked to help oust Dems in ’10; Reid on list: CAPITOL HILL: Reelected as majority leader, Nevadan can expect tough fight in two years; By Lisa Mascaro; The real action Wednesday may have come from a Texas Republican, Sen. John Cornyn, who was selected to lead Republican efforts to win Senate seats in 2010, replacing the recently promoted Sen. John Ensign.

Reid, Ensign in leadership posts: Staff and wire reports; Republican Sen. John Ensign has been elevated in the ranks of Senate GOP leadership, while Democratic Senator Harry Reid of Nevada has been re-elected without challenge to his job of majority leader.

The House of Representatives' freshman class gathers on Monday on the Capitol steps. With several ra

Already, Titus faces difficult first vote: GOVERNMENT: She must cast ballot for chairman of panel she wants to join; By Lisa Mascaro; Even before she arrived for her freshman class photo Monday morning, Nevada’s newest congresswoman-elect found herself in the middle of a political battle.

Term limits may set them free: THE LEGISLATURE: Lawmakers who can’t return might surprise the voters who elected them; By David McGrath Schwartz; After years of worrying about a primary challenge from the right, Senate Minority Leader Bill Raggio is finally free. With his victory this month, the 82-year-old Republican veteran has faced voters for the last time allowed under term limits.