Democrats raise stakes in Nevada

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RENO, Nev. — Like many things in the state of sin and gambling, today's Democratic caucus has become something of a freak show — complete with complaints of mob-boss-style voter intimidation.

In the latest twist, the Democrats who want to be the next president spent most of yesterday trading accusations of intimidation and sparring over a Republican president.

Starting at 11 a.m. today, voters can gather in schools, churches and nine caucus sites set up in casinos along the Las Vegas Strip to stand up for their favorite candidate.

Organization is key, and all of the campaigns acknowledge the endorsement from the powerful Culinary Workers Union was a big boost to Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, who won the Iowa caucuses and came in second in the New Hampshire primary.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York said her campaign had received a "flood" of phone calls and e-mails about intimidation coming from those union members.

"The evidence is pretty compelling," Mrs. Clinton said. When pressed, she cited press and "blog accounts."

The Clinton campaign said it was told workers would be fired if they didn't caucus for Mr. Obama, and said some at the Hilton hotel were told if they supported someone other than Mr. Obama they "won't be transported to caucus sites."

During an interview with a Las Vegas radio show yesterday morning, a woman who identified herself only as Janet told Mrs. Clinton she is a casino worker and a member of the culinary union but supports the former first lady.

"You have got a lot of support, just to let you know not all of the culinary people are going with Obama," Janet said.

Mrs. Clinton thanked her and asked her to spread the word.