Douglas Dems to host Richardson on Saturday

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is wasting no time visiting this nearby Western state in his fledgling bid for the presidency.

On Saturday, the "blue" candidate is headed for a very "red" Douglas County.

Richardson will join fellow Democrat retired Gen. Wesley Clark for keynote speaking duties at the Turn Nevada Blue dinner, a fundraiser for the Douglas County Democratic Central Committee.

Nevada's caucus, one year from Friday - Jan. 19, 2008 - is sandwiched between the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary, which have traditionally kicked off the presidential-nominating contests.

The new schedule is expected to bring intense attention to Nevada as candidates seek to pick up early wins.

"It's the first time the West has gotten any kind of attention. And Nevada happens to be a red state, and we're trying to turn it blue," said Bud Orange, co-chairman of the Douglas County Democratic Central Committee and second vice-chairman of the Nevada State Democratic Party. "And we got him in Douglas County."

Richardson is set to make his first campaign swing through Northern Nevada on Saturday, one week after joining the burgeoning field of Democratic presidential hopefuls.

Richardson is scheduled to arrive at the Reno airport at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, and is to be welcomed by a small group of supporters.

Then he has a private meeting with Washoe County Democratic activists, followed by a speech at the Douglas County Democrats' annual fundraising dinner in Minden.

"They are starting to recognize Nevada," Orange said. "It has never been important before, and we have not gotten any kind of support for Nevada before, and now all of the sudden we are important. Nevada has a voice."

Richardson also is the first candidate to announce hiring staff to organize his campaign in Nevada.

Richardson has hired Theresa Navarro in Reno, rural coordinator Michael Tassone and Las Vegas organizer Javier Trujillo.

Tassone said President Bush's narrow victory in Nevada during the last election justifies the early attention here.

"The fact that he's the only Democratic candidate from the West is another factor because the Western states want more of a say," Tassone said. "Western states have some specific issues they need to have addressed."

If you go

WHAT: Douglas County Democratic Central Committee "Turn Nevada Blue" dinner

WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Shannon Ballroom at the Carson Valley Inn

Cost: $60 per person

Also: Private, hosted cocktail reception with the candidates and preferred dinner seating will be from 6-7 p.m.

Cost: $150 per person. Tables of 10 can be purchased at a discount.

Reservations, information: Bud Orange at bud.orange@charter.net or 721-7530 or Cindy Trigg at F4trigg@aol.com or 338-1561.

Coming up

Democratic debates

There are two candidate forums and three debates scheduled in Nevada.

Feb. 21 - Carson City

Forum in Carson City sponsored by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

March 24 - University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Health care forum co-sponsored by Service Employees International Union and the Center for American Progress

• Mid-August - Reno

Debate focused on Western regional issues

• Nov. 2 - UNLV

Debate sponsored by the Nevada State Democratic Party

• Jan. 15, 2008 - Las Vegas

Debate co-sponsored by the Caucus of African American Nevadans and Impacto, the political arm of the Latin Chamber of Commerce