Photo By Albert Milliron Politisite.com / Iron Mill Interactive Media Inc

By Jill Lawrence, USA TODAY

LAS VEGAS — Nevada voters are holding their newly important presidential caucuses today amid suspense over how many of them will show up and, on the Democratic side of the ledger, which candidate will emerge with a victory.

Republicans here are also caucusing, though their contest was overshadowed by the South Carolina GOP primary the same day. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney laid groundwork early for the race and opened up a big poll lead as caucus day approached.

AND THEY'RE OFF: Contests underway in Nevada, S.C.

SOUTH CAROLINA: GOP voters presented with distinct choices