New Hampshire Primary Voters Pick Clinton, Obama as Top Democratic Candidates

Voters participating in the New Hampshire Primary have once again defied expectations, at least on the Democratic side of the ballot. Senator Hillary Clinton surprised the pundits by narrowly beating a surging Barack Obama. Obama made major gains in the polls in New Hampshire since the Iowa Caucus, and just days ago led Clinton in a major poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.

Clinton ended up receiving 39 percent of the vote in New Hampshire's Democratic primary. In a speech that has been published on her campaign website Clinton delighted at her surprise victory. "This victory will serve notice that people across our country know what's really at stake, that we will all be called upon to deliver on the promise of America," she said.

Barack Obama's scored second place with 37 percent of the vote in a showing that disappointed many political pundits. But a celebratory atmosphere took over as the candidate took the stage to deliver his concession speech in front of an enthusiastic crowd of supporters on election night. In a speech that has been reproduced on his campaign website, Obama reassured supporters by noting that no one ever thought a win in New Hampshire would be easy, and that his campaign had still made major gains in the Granite State through hard work and persistence. A UNH poll showed Obama trailing Clinton by a margin of 12 points as recently as December 19.

"We know the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can withstand the power of millions of voices calling for change," Obama told supporters.

John Edwards came in a distant third with around 17 percent of the vote. Edwards also vowed to carry his campaign onwards in a speech that can now be viewed on the Edwards campaign website. Edwards reminded his supporters that 99 percent of voters in America have yet to cast their votes. "We've had too many Americans whose voices have not been heard in this democracy. That's what this battle is about," he stated.

Governor Bill Richardson placed fourth with a disappointing 5 percent of the vote. But he also promised to continue campaigning. "We head out west and the fight goes on," he said in a concession speech that can be viewed as a video on WMUR.com, New Hampshire's local ABC affiliate.

Congressman Dennis Kucinich, whose campaign had focused its efforts on New Hampshire, came in fifth place with 1 percent of the vote. But he too promised to carry on with his bid for the presidency. The video of his concession speech can also be viewed on WMUR.com

"We are going to carry a campaign across this nation so that we guarantee every American can have healthcare," Kucinich vowed.

On Wednesday morning the scene in downtown Manchester was one of media packing up and volunteers collecting the campaign signs that yesterday clogged every roadside. The New Hampshire Primary is officially over, and the candidates and media are heading on the next primary states.