CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) - It's a busy campaign week despite Monday being a national holiday. The first contest of the presidential primary season is a mere 52 days away in Iowa, and the candidates are using every opportunity to campaign.

Republicans are taking to the East Coast, using Veterans Day to send a clear message: Strong-on-the military. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is in New Hampshire and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is in Missouri.

Meanwhile, Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, heads to the first southern primary state, South Carolina, as the competition there heats up. A new poll suggests Romney may now be the Republican to beat in the Palmetto State, thanks in part to his new costly ad campaign.

The Democrats set their sights out west this week, where they hope to gain ground in the one-time red states Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada.

Expect Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, to try to clarify her views on the issue of driver's licenses for illegal immigrants.

All of the Democrats will square off in Las Vegas, Nevada Thursday, for CNN's two-hour Democratic presidential debate, set to kick-off at 8 p.m. ET. The Debate is also sponsored by the Nevada Democratic Party and the University of Las Vegas.

I will address questions along with CNN anchors John Roberts and Campbell Brown. Suzanne Malveaux will facilitate audience participation.

You can expect tough questions, particularly on immigration.

– CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer