Phase 3 Begins: Unions back Obama, Richardson out.

"'It is clear from the overwhelming participation in the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary that Americans are ready for change. We believe that Obama is the candidate who can bring the country together and we are proud to support his candidacy.'" And we're off again: Senator Obama picks up 2 key endorsements in the Nevada SEIU and the Culinary Workers Union. "The backing of the 60,000-member union [CWU] is seen as important because the state's Democratic Party is only expecting 40,000 Democrats to participate in the caucuses." Hmm. At this point, I'd probably expect a higher turnout. In the meantime, Bill Richardson -- who pulled 5% in New Hampshire and gave every indication in last night's speech that he was staying in, has instead decided to bow out. So that should also free up some Nevada votes.