Clinton, Obama battle for upper hand in Nevada

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (CNN) -- The battle for the Democratic presidential nomination heads west Saturday with caucuses in Nevada, where unions and a large Hispanic population are heavily expected to influence the results.

For years, the region was excluded from playing a significant part in nominating presidential candidates, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid used his clout to move up his state's caucuses, increasing Nevada's profile on the primary calendar.

After the early, dramatic outcomes in Iowa and New Hampshire -- split between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, respectively -- the top Democratic campaigns are bringing in hundreds of extra staff and volunteers to Nevada.

The GOP also is holding caucuses Saturday in Nevada, but most Republican candidates will be focusing their attention that day on the South Carolina primary.

The Democratic race in Nevada appears tight, with the two front-runners in a statistical tie.

According to an American Research Group poll conducted January 9 through Monday, Clinton is leading Obama 35 percent to 32 percent among likely Democratic caucus-goers. Former Sen. John Edwards has the support of 25 percent. The survey's margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points.

The winner of the Nevada contest could gain the upper hand going into South Carolina's January 26 primary and the Florida one on January 29.

I SUPPORT CLINTON !!!!