January 19, 2008
Harry Reid Wipes His Brow
LAS VEGAS -- The Nevada Democratic Party issued a release indicating that with 88 percent of precincts reporting, it appears that 114,000 Nevadans caucused today for the Dems. Remember, just 9,000 people turned out in 2004 for the state's primary. So today's numbers represent a stunning shift in interest and participation.
Also, for context, remember as well that in 2004 about 120,000 Dems caucused in Iowa. Despite the hullaballo over union influence and the funky nature of this two media market state, the NV turnout today certainly validates the state's placement on the primary calendar. Carl Levin and company won't have much luck reopening the Michigan fight, I imagine.
There's a special someone out here for whom 114,000+ spells relief: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who was laughed at up and down when he said a few days ago he anticipated 100k to show.
The LV Sun reports that he said this today:
“Great turnout in Nevada. (Sun columnist) Jon Ralston - some people made fun of me,” he said about his early projection for high turnout. The latest tally: more than 114,000 and still counting. “I’m very satisfied.”
A load off his shoulders? “You got that right.”
Meanwhile, the NV Republican Party is reporting that with 1,706 of 1,789 precincts in, 42,250 people caucused for the GOP today.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
Posted at 05:52 PM
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