Presidential campaigns address Western issues
By Seth A. Richardson, Reno Gazette-Journal
Western issues were the focus of the Democratic presidential campaigns Saturday in Reno as a group of grassroots organizations held a summit to address regional concerns about matters like public lands, indigenous tribes and water rights.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders appeared on his own behalf while New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker represented former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Real Solutions for Real People Summit hosted by several organizations including the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, Acting in Community Together in Organizing Northern Nevada and the Center for Community Change. Around 400 attendees from progressive groups around the state and the community showed up to hear the campaigns. Members of the community asked the questions, including people from the Paiute Tribe, DREAMers and the University of Nevada, Reno.
Western issues had not been at the forefront of presidential campaign stops save for a visit by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in October recommending Reno as a potential headquarters for the Department of the Interior.