Gore makes a last minute effort These video clips are viewed using RealPlayer. N.H. Secretary of State again predicts high turnout Keys to reading the New Hampshire returns Bradley, McCain win Dixville Notch, Hart's Location By a ratio of 3 to 1, according to exit polls conducted yesterday, independents chose McCain over rival George W. Bush. And they went nearly 3 to 2 in choosing Bradley, the former Democratic senator from New Jersey, over Vice President Al Gore.
Independents are a growing bloc of voters nationwide.
However, in addition to conservative voters, McCain also won over moderates and even liberals. Bradley's recent disclosure of a heart condition did not bother those who supported him, the exit polls showed, although those backing Gore overwhelmingly said his atrial fibrillation was a factor. Nearly half of those who voted for McCain said they decided to support him over the last year, a sign that his grass-roots campaigning and 114 town hall meetings paid off throughout the state. Abortion was clearly an issue for Republicans yesterday. Those who are against it leaned toward Bush, while McCain voters held a range of beliefs on the subject, perhaps reflecting the senator's own varied responses during the final days of the campaign here to the question of a woman's right to choose.