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Clinton has edge in Nevada, site of Dems’ first debate

FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2015 file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks in Des Moines, Iowa. The state where Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders will meet to debate on Tuesday, Oct. 13, for the first time is evidence of why she's still the front-runner. Clinton has staff organizing on the ground for months in Nevada and they know how to navigate the state's baroque caucus system. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2015 file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks in Des Moines, Iowa. The state where Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders will meet to debate on Tuesday, Oct. 13, for the first time is evidence of why she's still the front-runner. Clinton has staff organizing on the ground for months in Nevada and they know how to navigate the state's baroque caucus system. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

By Associated Press October 12, 2015 1 min read

LAS VEGAS (AP) – Democratic candidates for president will take the stage for their first debate this week in Nevada.

The state is a reminder of why Hillary Rodham Clinton is the front-runner.

Nevada is home to large communities of immigrants and uses a convoluted caucus system. That means winning the state requires a higher degree of organization and effort to get out the vote.

Clinton installed staff on the ground in Nevada six months ago, and she now has 22 paid operatives in Nevada who have recruited more than 3,000 volunteers.

Meanwhile, Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders has just one paid staffer in Nevada.

And Vice President Joe Biden has yet to decide whether to run and does not yet have any formal campaign operation.