Iowa presidential caucuses crucial to Richardson

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As the nation focuses on Thursday's Iowa presidential caucuses to see who emerges as the frontrunner for President on both tickets, a group of El Pasoans, Texans and New Mexicans are watching for something else -- to if New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson earns enough support to stay in the race.

The Iowa caucuses, which traditionally signals the start of the presidential race, is being watched closer this year because for the first time in more than 50 years no incumbent President or Vice President is running. That means Democrats and Republicans will have to elect a candidate this year.

According to different national polls, the top two Republican candidates in Iowa are Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee. Each is expected to get about 25 percent of the vote.

In the Democratic race, the top three candidates in Iowa are Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards. Each is expected to receive anywhere from 25 to 30 percent of the vote.

Coming in next, in most Democratic polls, are Joe Biden and Richardson with five percent or less of the vote.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_7864873