By Mike O’Sullivan
Voice of America

LAS VEGAS — Hillary Clinton has won the Nevada Democratic Party caucuses, after a hard-fought campaign against Senator Barack Obama and former Senator John Edwards.

This is New York Senator Clinton’s second win in Democratic Party preference contests, after a victory in the New Hampshire primary January 8.

Senator Obama, who was backed by a strong local labor union, came in second and former senator Edwards came in a distant third.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney campaigned heavily in Nevada and gained an easy win in Republican caucuses over Arizona senator John McCain and Texas congressman Ron Paul. Romney said the people of Nevada had cast their vote for change, and this victory is important. “It’s huge for us, and we’re very, very pleased,” he said.

Michelle Romero, a bellhop at the Las Vegas Hilton, took part in a Democratic caucus held in a casino, and spoke of the issues that concern her. “The economy, our jobs, schools and our family,” she said.

Both winning candidates say the economy will be an important issue in the national campaign. Democrats will hold their next primary Saturday in South Carolina, and Republicans are focusing on the Florida primary three days later. Both parties are looking ahead to Super Tuesday, when more than 20 states will hold primaries and caucuses.