Venezuela opposition claims first win in recall drive Venezuela's opposition cleared its first hurdle Tuesday in its uphill race to call a referendum on removing President Nicolas Maduro, but the leftist leader flexed his muscle when riot police fired tear gas to block opposition protesters from marching on the electoral authority's headquarters, underlining the tension tearing at the country as it staggers through a painful crisis. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES//REFILING TO ADD SECOND SOUNDBITE TO VIDEO//