For years, Nevada has coveted an early spot in the presidential nomination process.
That’s because an early caucus or primary would supposedly draw more candidates here to espouse their ideas and platforms. But despite Nevada’s voters getting a bite at the apple this year earlier than ever before, that didn’t happen.
For Democrats, President Joe Biden is a slam dunk, as he’ll be running for his second term. In turn, he hasn’t been to the state very much.
But for Republicans?
They had a massive slate of candidates; different choices and lots of debate. But almost none of them visited the state. Nikki Haley came here once. Ron DeSantis was here once last summer. Former President Donald Trump has been here three times (and again on Saturday, along with Vice President Kamala Harris in a separate event).
So what happened to the spotlight? And why is there now a Republican primary then a caucus? Why doesn’t their primary vote count? And is there any chance this strange system could change? Does it matter?
Guests: Sondra Cosgrove, history professor, College of Southern Nevada; Paul Boger, reporter, Nevada Public Radio; Nicol Herris, former president, Republican Women of Reno; Cisco Aguilar, Nevada Secretary of State
