Senator Hillary Clinton is expected to be the focus of attention Thursday when the Democratic presidential contenders take part in a debate in Las Vegas, Nevada. VOA National Correspondent Jim Malone has more from Washington.

Clinton heads into the debate leading in public opinion polls, but facing intensified criticism from her Democratic rivals.

Clinton has been on the defensive since the last Democratic debate two weeks ago. Clinton was asked about a plan to grant driver's licenses to illegal immigrants in New York. At first she seemed to support the idea, then backed away from it. Clinton's campaign now says she opposes the proposal, which was eventually dropped by New York's governor.

Clinton's rivals have also seized on public opinion surveys that suggest she is the most polarizing contender in the presidential race, liked and disliked by voters in roughly equal numbers.

The intensified attacks seem to have done little damage to Clinton in the polls. She leads nationally among Democrats and in the early primary state of New Hampshire. Clinton, Obama and Edwards are in a close race in Iowa, which kicks off the presidential selection process on January 3.