The lurking Ron Paul

Polls commissioned by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Reno Gazette-Journalshow former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney with a comfortable lead in theRepublican race in Nevada, with Texas Rep. Ron Paul trailing far behind insingle digits.

But don't be surprised if Paul challenges the other presumed frontrunners -

Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee and John McCain - for second or third place,given how those three have shown little interest in Nevada.

And caucuses - unlike primaries - tend to attract only the most passionate

and knowledgeable, which certainly describes Paul's backers.

Droves of Paul supporters packed a casino ballroom Tuesday night when the

Clark County Republican Party elected its slate of leaders.

One Ron Paul supporter, driving an SUV, blocked Romney backers at a rallyThursday. The SUV had several Paul bumper-stickers and a handwritten note:

"Stop the Traitors."