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LAS VEGAS - The state's economy is the top issue for voters in Nevada.

The state with the highest unemployment and foreclosure rate, Nevada is recovering more slowly than the rest of the country. That could influence the results of Saturday's GOP caucuses.

It also could decide the general election, when President Barack Obama will face off against the eventual Republican nominee.

Nationally, the unemployment rate dropped last month to 8.3, just above the 7.8 rate of Obama's first month in office.

But in Nevada, there has been little improvement. The unemployment rate was 12.6 in December, compared with the 8.7 rate when Obama won the state in 2008.

Voters say they don't feel optimistic about the immediate future. They want jobs.