Republican's Nose Ahead in Nevada

According to the latest scribblings from the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office, the fine citizens of the Silver State have ever so slightly tilted their collective hat toward the Republican Party—by a margin so slim it could fit between a prospector’s teeth.

The official tally stands at 618,539 Republicans, narrowly edging out the Democrats, who number 618,352. That’s a difference of precisely 187 souls, which in Nevada politics is about the same as a light breeze shifting the sand.

But before either party starts whooping and hollering, it’s worth noting that the true heavyweight in this political saloon remains the nonpartisan voter, who stands at a robust 696,319 strong. That’s right—the biggest group in the state consists of folks who’ve taken one hard look at both parties and declared, “No, thank you.”

Meanwhile, the remaining 157,000 voters remain scattered across various minor parties, including the Independent American Party, the Libertarians, and a few outfits so small they likely hold conventions in a corner booth at the local diner. So, while the two major parties squabble over who gets to wear the sheriff’s badge, the real power may rest with those who prefer to keep their six-shooters holstered and their options open.