NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARY

	January 27, 2004
	After weeks of listening to the Democratic presidential candidates, the voters in New Hampshire had their turn to speak today. Kwame Holman reports on the final hours of the first primary. Follow-up discussion.

KWAME HOLMAN: As voting in New Hampshire continued throughout the day, the Democratic presidential candidates left nothing to chance. GEN. WESLEY CLARK: Good to see you, thank you so much for being out here. KWAME HOLMAN: They courted late deciders, reiterating well-rehearsed messages. SEN. JOHN EDWARDS: I think the message reached the voters. I think they heard what my campaign is about, which is changing America. SEN. JOSEPH LIEBERMAN: Thirty years of experience, record of independence, integrity, leveling with people. KWAME HOLMAN: Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, who won last week in Iowa. SEN. JOHN KERRY: I just came from the headquarters. I've been on the phone, we've got people working, we take nothing for granted. There are still undecided voters. We're going to reach out to people right up until this evening. KWAME HOLMAN: Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean predicted a strong finish in New Hampshire, something his campaign desperately needs after Dean placed third in Iowa. Today Dean kept supporters warm by serving hot chocolate and told the constantly present pack of reporters that his record as governor gives him an edge. HOWARD DEAN: You know, there are a lot of people running for office that are saying everything, they're going to promise this, they're going to promise that. One of the advantages I have as a governor is you can look at my record. KWAME HOLMAN: For retired Gen. Wesley Clark, who skipped Iowa to focus on New Hampshire, today's results could determine whether he chose the right strategy. Clark claimed his outsider status gives him an advantage. GEN. WESLEY CLARK: I'm an outsider to Washington, not an insider, and I'll bring a higher standard of leadership to America. KWAME HOLMAN: North Carolina Sen. John Edwards also was on the road campaigning today. He hoped another strong finish, like his second place showing in Iowa, would give him added momentum as the race for the Democratic nomination heads off in several directions next week, including his native South. SEN. JOHN EDWARDS: I've been running a positive campaign to change this country and people are responding to it. SEN. JOSEPH LIEBERMAN: We do make house calls in this campaign. KWAME HOLMAN: Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman worked the phones at campaign headquarters, seeking last-minute votes, with help from his wife, Hadassah. Despite bitter cold temperatures, state officials were saying the primary could draw a record turnout.