CLINTON CAMPAIGN CALLS ENFRANCHISEMENT OF 40% LATINO UNION CAUCUS SITES IN NV "UNFAIR" - LOST CASE

Statement from the Obama-wans:

"We're glad that the Nevada court upheld the Nevada Democratic Party's caucus plan which encourages voter participation. While the Clinton camp clearly believed the voices of workers should be silenced in service of their perceived political interest, they enjoyed a twenty five-point lead two months ago and have much of the party establishment in their camp. So, despite their inherent advantages we are pleased this should be a close and competitive contest Saturday," said Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton.

UPDATED UPDATE: From the Nevada Democratic Party:

“Today, U.S. District Court Judge James Mahan, of the District of Nevada ruled in favor of the caucus process the Nevada Democratic Party established last year that maintains the right of workers and minorities to participate in the Nevada caucuses at their work sites,” State Democratic Party Chair Jill Derby said today. “We began this process to highlight the participation of westerners, minorities — including Hispanics — and labor in choosing the Democratic nominee for president and today that effort was affirmed by the courts.

“Despite the characterization of some, this process is fair to all Nevadans, union member or not, whether they work within a 2.5 mile radius of the Las Vegas Strip or will caucus at their home precincts. With 520 sites across the state, we look forward to having fair, inclusive and decisive caucuses at 11am on Saturday, January 19th with participation of a record breaking number of Democrats.”

Meantime, the Borg, after inflicting only minor damage with a light Yucca Mountain-related barrage, appeared motionless and silent in space Thursday afternoon. Suggestion to Obama and Edwards: Shields up.

YET ANOTHER UPDATE: From the Nevada State Education Association:

“The judge has ruled in the case seeking fairness in the at-large caucuses and the end result is that those caucuses will go on—a concept we agreed to as long as it was fair and open to all. Additionally, we offered a compromise in order for our affected members to be allowed to caucus at their work sites; the judge agreed it was fair and reasonable and deferred to the party. The state Democratic Party denied it,” said NSEA President Lynn Warne.

“The fact is there is a group of workers that are being treated preferentially by the state party and that runs contrary to the principles for which the Democratic Party stands. We’re disappointed but we will go on and thousands of our members will attend the caucuses on Saturday. We expect we will have an impact on what happens at those caucuses.”

UPDATE, VERY SPECIAL KUMBAYAH EDITION: A joint statement from state Democratic Party chief Jill Derby and Clark County party chairman (and zealous Clinton apologist, er, at-large caucuses critic) John Hunt:

“Democrats around Nevada agree: By participating in the January 19th precinct caucuses, we have an exciting opportunity to change the leadership in the White House and point our country and our world in a better direction. Some Democrats might have disagreed on the allocation of delegates in this caucus, but this issue is settled and we are unified in our commitment that Nevadans turn out and voice our opinions Saturday to help select our next president.”

UPDATE: SENSORS DETECT RISING ENERGY LEVELS EMANATING FROM THE BORG CRAFT EDITION: From the Clinton campaign:

"Nevadans have the opportunity to play a special role in the nominating process on Saturday, and we are thrilled with the energy and support we are seeing across the state. It is clear that Nevadans are excited about participating in this process. While we were not involved in this lawsuit, and have always said that we would play by the rules that we’re given, it has always been our hope that every Nevadan should have equal access and opportunity to participate in the caucus. Make no mistake --the current system that inhibits some shift workers from being able to participate, while allowing others to do so, would seem to benefit other campaigns. More importantly it is unfair. We also are concerned with recent news reports about voter intimidation tactics that would further discourage some Nevadans from participating on Saturday. Our strategy remains the same — we want as many people as possible to participate in the caucus, and we are going to reach out to as many Nevadans as possible in an effort to do as well as possible on Saturday. The Obama campaign has been clear in its belief that whoever wins the culinary union endorsement will win Nevada. We will leave it up to the people of Nevada to make that decision."

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