N.H. in spotlight: Sanders needs strong win before Democratic race moves South

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are looking for a win Tuesday to claim momentum before S.C. Democrats vote Feb. 27.

What the polls say: Sanders has a double-digit lead in New Hampshire’s Democratic primary, beating Clinton in all but one of 40 polls taken this year.

Who must win? Sanders. The self-described democratic socialist from Vermont cannot afford to stumble in New Hampshire, which neighbors his home state. Sanders needs a decisive win to help him peel away Clinton supporters in more diverse states, where he trails. Clinton holds an almost 20-point lead in Nevada, where Democrats caucus on Feb. 20, and an almost 30-point lead in South Carolina, which votes Feb. 27.

What’s key: A strong turnout by New Hampshire independents — a large voting block who can vote in either the GOP or Democratic primaries — could help Sanders. Nearly three-in-five registered independents favor Sanders over Clinton, according to a recent poll.

What does it mean for S.C.? Winning New Hampshire’s mostly-white Democratic primary will offer little insight into South Carolina’s primary, where more than half of voters will be black. S.C. Democrats also are more conservative and religious than their New Hampshire counterparts. But the winner can claim a victory that could build momentum as the contest moves South.

Jamie Self

This story was originally published February 8, 2016 at 7:13 PM with the headline "N.H. in spotlight: Sanders needs strong win before Democratic race moves South."