This piece from the Des Moines Register is chock full of info on John Edwards’ plans for a post-Christmas announcement and early-state fly-around. Also worth noting is the new poll released showing likely caucusgoers favoring Edwards and Obama followed by their own gov and then HRC. Keep in mind that Edwards has been to the state — where he came in a surprise second place to Kerry in the ‘04 caucuses – 14 times since the end of the ‘04 cycle.
On a similar note, the Center for American Progress and SEIU announced yesterday what appears to be the first candidates’ forum of the cycle. Though billed as “non-partisan,” the March 24 gathering in Las Vegas is likely to draw only Dems given its sponsors. It will focus on the issue of health care. Edwards is expected to fare well in the now-early primary state of Nevada because of the burgeoning ranks of union members in Vegas. Beyond getting out to Iowa, Edwards has spent much time since ‘04 building relationships with influential unions like the SEIU and the hotel/restaurant workers that are so powerful in Vegas.