Rural Nevada creating a virtual presidential campaign trail

LAS VEGAS – A Democratic leader in rural Nevada says she’s tired of presidential candidates saying it’s too costly and time-consuming to visit the state’s far-flung towns.

Kimi Cole of the Rural Nevada Democratic Caucus tells The Associated Press that she and others are setting up a series of virtual visits for candidates.

They hope to launch the first series of online video conferences within a month.

It could be a nationwide model as presidential candidates expand the traditional campaign map to seek support in places where Democrats have struggled.

The cyber-campaigning could give presidential candidates a chance to reach thousands of scattered Nevada Democrats whose votes they’ll need to court to gain an advantage in a crowded field.

For rural residents, the videoconferences ensure they play a key role in vetting candidates.