Friday, Feb. 23, 2007 | 7:03 a.m.
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John Edwards joked about the bad traffic. Barack Obama praised the warm weather. And Hillary Clinton noted the staggering growth.
But, on their first big swings through Las Vegas, the top three Democrats running for president barely scratched the surface of Western issues, a primary component of Nevada's second-in-the-nation caucus.
Still, the large crowds that turned out to see the candidates over the past week, in addition to the well-attended candidate forum Wednesday in Carson City, are an indication that the Silver State's early contest is generating the kind of voter enthusiasm necessary to keep the state on the presidential map.
At the same time, it's clear that the local media and party activists will need to nudge the White House hopefuls into addressing what for most of them is unfamiliar territory - the American West, chiefly the traditionally red states that don't touch the Pacific Ocean.
For example, with Nevada's booming economy, candidates need to ditch the "outsourcing" chapter from their playbooks and instead talk about bread-and-butter labor issues, such as right-to-work laws and collective bargaining rights.
Recognizing the challenge, two of the three front-runners have made critical hires.
Clinton has enlisted the help of Clark County Commission Chairman Rory Reid as head of her Nevada campaign and a consultant on Western issues.
Obama has hired Alison Schwartz, former executive director of the Nevada Democratic Party, as his state political director.
Saturday, state Sen. Dina Titus set the stage on Western issues as she bought time for Edwards, who was running close to an hour late. She told a crowd of about 250 gathered at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 357 that the Nevada caucus would force candidates to talk about Western issues, including water rights, public lands and growth.
"You're in the catbird seat and I suggest you take advantage of it," she said.
But as campaign '08 begins, it's clear candidates are still boning up.
Edwards spent the entirety of his speech on his plan for universal health care, touching only on Nevada in his opening remarks. He joked that Las Vegas gridlock was responsible for his tardiness. "I've learned firsthand about the traffic of Las Vegas," Edwards said. "It seems to me like we need a new president to solve that problem."
He did, however, let a nurse do his talking. After the speech, Jerri Woolston, a critical care nurse at Sunrise Hospital, shared a personal story about her mother's battle with lung cancer and the ordeal of getting treatment without insurance in Southern Nevada.
The closest Edwards got to a Western issue during his 40-minute appearance was his response to a question from the crowd on illegal immigration. He said he supports an "earned path" to citizenship, which includes paying a fine and learning English, for the 11 million to 12 million people living here illegally.
That answer drew the loudest applause for him.
The audience didn't seem to mind the lack of Western themes, though.
"It's just exciting to see the candidates this close," said Alice Page, who, along with her husband, turned out to see both Edwards and Obama.
They weren't alone. Significantly, Obama's appearance at the Clark County Government Center's outdoor amphitheater drew many of the same faces who turned out for Edwards, in addition to some tourists in town for the NBA All-Star Game.
Among them was Pam Bazmore, a Los Angeles marketing executive. "We know he stands for change," she said. "But I want to hear what he actually stands for and how he will do it."
In all, about 3,500 people attended the event Sunday afternoon.
For his part, Obama strode on stage, stripped his blazer and rolled up his sleeves.
"I've been cold for a month," he said. "I need some Nevada weather."
But beyond that, and another reference to the region's weather to illustrate a point about global warming, Obama stuck to the broad themes that so far have defined his campaign: restoring public faith in the political system.
Regardless, the crowd swooned.
The momentum continued through Wednesday, when Clinton spoke to about 600 educators, administrators and school support staff at Del Sol High School. Again, Western issues took a back seat, this time to federal education policy. Still, Clinton talked about the challenges that growth poses to school districts such as Clark County's.
Following her remarks, the audience surged toward the front of the cafeteria, cell phone cameras held high.
Given the reception all three received, they will be back soon.
Sun reporter Emily Richmond contributed to this report.
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