Halfway through the early state primaries and caucuses, Democrats are no closer to clarifying their nominating contest than they were at the turn of the new year. In the coming two contests — Nevada’s caucuses next Saturday and South Carolina’s primary on Feb. 29 — the “winners” from Iowa and New Hampshire have almost as much at stake as the losers. …
Ever since Nevada was given its status as one of four states allowed by the Democratic National Committee to hold an early contest, the results of the caucuses there have played mostly a limited role in shaping the race. …
This year Nevada could be more significant. It’s the first state where Latinos play a big role and as such it will reveal more about the range of appeal among the candidates than could either of the first two states. CONT.
Dan Balz, Washington Post