.:: RENObama! ::. Northern Nevada in the News

VYL: the Vote of Your Lifetime
Article: Early voting hits the polls, streets.

Tribune/Debra Reid - Obama supporters promoted their candidate while walking to early voting stations in Reno on Saturday.

In downtown Reno, Democrat grassroots organizations held marches through the streets for early voting, which started Saturday.

"There's going to be a lot of people on the 4th," Howard said, explaining the last-minute rush might discourage people from waiting in line. ÒWe're marching to let people know they can vote to get it done and out of the way."

Nevada voters play crucial role

Somewhere between the Western wear outlet and the muffin stand inside the Shoppers Square mall, Xiomara Rodriquez, 52 - a veteran, former small-business owner, and grandmother of two - pumps her fist in the air, dancing like she's already hit the jackpot.

Though polls show Obama leading and volunteers from California are pouring into the overflowing campaign offices, Democrats like Xiomara Rodriquez said they still aren't celebrating, because in the West, fortunes can change as quickly as the sunsets over this vast and unpredictable territory.

"It's not over until the fat lady sings," she said cautiously. "I'm the fat lady in this town ... and I'm not singing yet. ... But on Nov. 4, I'll be hollering."

Run for the Cure

National Delegate Xiomara Rodriguez, Gail Pratt, Stephane Rector and others with the Northern Nevada Women for Obama team.

Protesting Cheney in Reno

Mike Jamieson of Reno lets people know his thoughts during Dick Cheney's Reno visit Friday. Marilyn Newton/rgj

2 Oct Road to November: Canvassing for Obama in Elko, Nev.

Marti DeLance and Cathy Vance canvass a neighborhood in Elko, Nev. (Photo: Monica Almeida/The New York Times)

Poll: Obama gains in key swing counties

Voters in Reno, Nevada's Washoe County prefer Obama over Sen. John McCain by a double-digit margin, 50 percent to 40 percent. A previous Politico/Insider Advantage survey, taken October 9, showed the race deadlocked in Washoe with Obama ahead of McCain, 46 percent to 45 percent.

As the second-most populous counties in their respective states, Wake and Washoe are critical to McCain's chances.

The RealClearPolitics polling average currently has Obama leading in both states, ahead in North Carolina by an average of 2.3 points and in Nevada by an average of 4.2 percent.

Women in Washoe County prefer Obama over McCain, 56 percent to 36 percent, and independents are breaking for the Illinois senator by an even more overwhelming, 57-percent-to-21-percent margin. Statewide in Nevada, the candidates are statistically tied among both groups, with McCain posting a surprising, if narrow lead among female voters.

Rumblings of political rebellion in Nevada

Obama makes headway with Washoe County voters fed up with lost jobs, sagging economy.

2 recent NPR stories say Washoe County may be the pivotal county in the country.

• In 2008 Election, Nev. County May Have Key Role Featuring RENObama! member and national delegate, Xiomara Rodgriguez.

• In Traditionally GOP Nev. County, Obama Sees Gains

Where Election Fault Lines Run House by House