Since 1952, the primary election in a small, not very diverse New England state has had a disproportionate impact on the U.S. presidential nomination process and the ensuing general election. Although just a handful of delegates are at stake, the New Hampshire primary has become a massive media event and a reasonably reliable predictor of a campaign's ultimate success or failure. In The First Primary, Moore and Smith offer a comprehensive history of the state's primary, an analysis of its media coverage and impact, and a description of the New Hampshire electorate, along with a discussion of how that electorate reflects or diverges from national opinions on candidates and issues. A book for political scientists and political junkies, media and policy professionals, and all students of American government, The First Primary ably fills the gaps in our understanding of New Hampshire's outsize role in the nomination process.

DAVID W. MOORE is a senior fellow with the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire. He is a former vice president of the Gallup Organization, and author of The Opinion Makers and The Super Pollsters. ANDREW E. SMITH is associate professor of practice in political science and director of the UNH Survey Center. He directs the Granite State Poll, a quarterly survey of public opinion and public policy.