"Clinton, Obama rally crowds in Elko"

Reno Gazette-Journal:

A combined 2,700 people turned out to see Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in Elko Friday afternoon, including many still trying to make up their minds on whom to caucus for Saturday.

There are about 5,000 Elko County Democrats. So, why are the two candidates pushing so hard?

Flora Boyer, Elko Democratic Central Committee treasurer, said she believes the contest between the two for a first-place showing in Nevada will be so close that votes in Elko could make the difference.

“It’s that close,” she said. ”We are going to have a say in the state. We have been knocking them dead in registering more Democrats than Republicans.”

About 1,000 people squeezed into the Elko Indian Colony gymnasium to see Clinton. For many, it was their first look at Clinton in person, as she made her first visit to the city.

About 1,700 people turned out for Obama’s speech. Several hundred people left Clinton’s speech early, dozens of cars formed a caravan to drive over to the Elko High School gymnasium to hear Obama.

It was Obama’s second visit to Elko and he let the crowd know it.

Mary Ray, a Great Basin College professor, and her husband Michael, another professor, said the two candidates hold similar views on the economy, health care, the war and education.

But they’re Obama supporters. “Barack is more inspirational,” Michael Ray said.

”He’ll get a higher number of votes from Republicans,” Mary Ray said. “We need every vote.”

Jill List, a registered nurse and an independent voter, said she likes them both. “We just came from Hillary. She’s pretty dynamic when you sit and listen to her. I want to hear what Obama has to say and then hopefully I’ll make up my mind.”