Analysis: New Poll Ahead Of N. H. Primary

The latest polls show former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney holds onto a lead in New Hampshire ahead of the state's primary Tuesday.

But a new tracking poll from Suffolk University shows that lead may be slipping. In the poll, Romney has 33 percent of the vote, compared to 43 percent last week. Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and Texas Rep. Ron Paul gained a few points each in the new poll.

Political analysts Republican Todd Domke and Democrat Dan Payne are expecting an easy Romney victory.

“Let’s face it,” Todd said. “Mitt Romney has been campaigning in New Hampshire for about five years. It’s expected for him to win, it’s safe for him. If it fails to be a big victory, that will be significant, but the big story will be who comes in second and third place.”

“Romney needs to beat Mr. Second — whoever it happens to be — by 20 to 25 points in order to have bragging rights," Payne said. "If he does that, the nomination may not be in his pocket, but it’s going to be in the vicinity of his belt.”

Payne and Domke joined Morning Edition Monday to give their take on the state of the contest in this 11th hour.

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