Reply #19: from CNN [View All]

Crucial to the outcome in New Hampshire are the state's independent voters, who make up around 40 percent of the electorate, and who can vote in either party's primary.

With time running out, 6 percent of likely Democratic primary voters and 5 percent of those likely to vote in the GOP primary remain undecided.

The poll indicates that a growing number of registered independents say they will vote in the GOP contest, which is a switch from just a month ago.

Whether independents decide to vote in the Democratic or Republican primaries could affect the outcome of both races, Schneider said, noting that McCain ties Romney among registered Republicans but has an 11-point lead when independent voters are included.

"So McCain is not just running against Romney. He's also running against Obama for independent support."