Nevada's major political parties are locked in a legal battle over a Republican effort to take control of the state Senate by recalling two Democratic lawmakers.
Democrats warn the tactic could become a template for Republicans seeking to hang on to power in statehouses nationwide, especially if the midterm elections lead to losses.
At issue in a hearing Wednesday is whether some voters who signed petitions to recall the two Democratic state senators can withdraw their signatures.
If so, that will likely push the petitions below the threshold needed for a recall election. If they're successful, they would flip control of Nevada's Senate to the GOP.
There's no official reason for recalling the two Democrats. Some conservatives have been open about hoping Republicans gain partisan advantage.
Even Nevada's Republican governor worries the parties could use recalls regularly.
