James C. Mahan

Las Vegas- Shortly after a federal judge ruled that at-large caucus sites could go forward as planned, Clark County Democratic chairman John Hunt and Nevada Democratic chairwoman Jill Derby issued a joint press release declaring that the party is “unified” in their commitment to turn out Nevadans for the Jan. 19 caucus.

The release was an effort at damage control by the party; to repair a schism between supporters on the one hand of the culinary workers and Ill. Sen. Barack Obama and on the other the Nevada State Education Association and supporters of N.Y. Sen. Hillary Clinton.

“Democrats around Nevada agree,” said Hunt and Derby in the release.  “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.”  

Judge James C. Mahan of the United States District Court of Nevada has ruled against the Nevada State Education Association and allowed the Nevada Democratic Party to go ahead with their at-large caucus sites as planned.

"I don't see a basis for an injunction here," said Mahan.  "The parties have a right to determine how they're going to apportion delegates to the party conventions."

The ruling followed an acrimonious week that has pitted, among others, the Nevada State Education Association against the Culinary Workers Union and Clark County Democratic Chairman John Hunt against the Nevada Democratic Party.

More to follow...