To: Interested Parties

From: Zach Zaragoza, Executive Director, Nevada State Democratic Party

Subject: CAUCUS MEMO: With Clinton Leading in Iowa and Sanders Ahead in
New Hampshire, Nevada Poised to Play Decisive Role
Date: Tuesday, December 22, 2015

With less than two months to go before Nevadas First in the West Democratic
caucuses, voters in the Battle Born State are once again poised to play a critical
role in shaping the course of the presidential election.
The latest CBS News / YouGov poll shows former Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton leading Vermont U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders by five points (50 percent to
45 percent) among Iowa Democratic caucus voters. In the same poll, Sanders leads
Clinton by 14 points (56 percent to 42 percent) among New Hampshire
Democratic primary voters. Current polling averages illustrate a similar picture in
the first two early states: Clinton is maintaining her lead in Iowa, while Sanders
continues to hold an edge in New Hampshire.
We will be the third state in the country to make our voice heard in the Democratic
presidential primary process. That means Nevada could once again be a highly
sought-after opportunity for Democratic presidential candidates to notch a crucial
tie-breaking victory in an early state. And as the nations demographics shift,
Nevada will be the first state in the primary calendar that meaningfully reflects the
diverse coalition of voters that Democrats will need to bring together to win the
2016 general election and elect our next Commander-in-Chief.
Thats why the campaigns are making Nevada a top priority. Las Vegas hosted the
first Democratic presidential debate of the cycle in October. Sanders attracted more
than 2,000 grassroots supporters at a North Las Vegas rally last month, and his
campaign has now opened seven field offices across the state. Clinton recently
toured Northern Nevada, hitting several stops on the campaign trail in Reno, and
her campaign is ramping up their on-the-ground organizing and outreach to Latino
voters. All of the Democratic candidates are scheduled to kick off 2016 by
appearing at the Battle Born / Battleground First in the West Caucus Dinner

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Paid for by the Nevada State Democratic Party

hosted by the Nevada State Democratic Party and U.S. Senate Minority Leader
Harry Reid at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on January 6.
Why Nevada Matters
Few states can rival Nevadas demographic, regional and cultural diversity
particularly among the early states that kick off the primary process. This diversity
reflects the new voice of the Democratic Party and the rising electorate that sent
President Barack Obama to the White House in 2008 and 2012. Latino voters are
expected to make up more than 20 percent of the vote in Nevada in the 2016
general election. Nevada is home to vibrant AAPI and African American
communities, and we also have sizeable populations of young voters and military
families. Organized labor is particularly strong here, and the local unions are a
potent political force fighting for middle class security.
Nevada was first selected for an early spot in the 2008 presidential nomination
process because of this growing diversity, the regional importance of the West and
our designation as a caucus state. Senator Reid played an indispensable role
pushing for Nevada to be moved up on the presidential calendar.
In 2008, Nevadas Democratic caucuses featured a vigorous contest between thenSenators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton that helped lay the groundwork for
Democratic victories in this key battleground state. After Obama decisively won
Iowa and Clinton came back to win New Hampshire, Nevada was pivotal for both
candidates seeking to build momentum. Clinton ultimately secured a six-point win
in the caucus vote, 51 percent to 45 percent, while Obamas campaign countered
that he actually performed better because his strong showing in rural areas helped
him win 13 national convention delegates compared to 12 for Clinton.
Nevada is still a young caucus state, but we are already making a big impression
on the presidential primary again for the 2016 election cycle. The First in the West
caucuses will be a significant prize for the Democratic candidate who comes out on
top on Saturday, February 20.

Contact:
Stewart Boss
Press Secretary
(702) 527-3145
sboss@nvdems.com

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Paid for by the Nevada State Democratic Party