Leaving Las Vegas (and the rest of NV)
Posted: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 11:39 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under:
Democrats
From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Edwards is moving a handful of staff out of Nevada to focus more on Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the AP reports. This is a perhaps a reflection of the weakening of the Nevada caucuses -- once thought to play a significant role in this election cycle. The DNC placed Nevada between Iowa and New Hampshire, moving its date up to Jan. 19. But last week, South Carolina announced it will move up its Republican primary to Jan. 19 from Jan. 29. That will likely prompt New Hampshire to move its primary up from Jan. 22 to at least Jan. 12 because of a state law requiring it to be a week ahead of any “similar” contest.
It may also be a reflection of Edwards picking his battles. He was third in money raised after the first two quarters -- well behind Clinton and Obama. Edwards raised $23 million; Clinton raised $62 million and Obama $58 million in primary and general election funds. Edwards was in third place in Nevada, according to a June Mason-Dixon poll, with 12%, behind Clinton with 37% and Obama at 17%.
**** UPDATE **** Edwards' campaign tells the AP:
"Our strategy is unchanged -- four states and $40 million," Deputy Campaign Manager Jonathan Prince said. "As the calendar fluctuates, with Iowa and New Hampshire moving up significantly, we need to accelerate hiring there to hit our organizing targets, so we're shifting some trained staffers there, but we are as committed as ever to winning Nevada."
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV):
"Candidates have to make the decisions they believe are in the best interests of their campaigns, but I have always said that for a Democrat to win the White House they have to win the West. Any candidate who chooses to ignore Nevada and its rich diversity does so at their own peril."
