[GOTFIVEONIT]

Clinton still holds narrow lead in early results

Posted: 08:48 PM ET

MANCHESTER, N.H. (CNN) — With 21 percent of precincts counted in the New Hampshire Democratic primary, Sen. Hillary Clinton held a 40 percent to 36 percent lead over Sen. Barack Obama, but the race was still too close to call.

CNN projected former Sen. John Edwards to finish third. CNN made the projection with 10 percent of precincts counted, basing it on reported results, exit polls and other statistical models.

Edwards had 17 percent of the vote with 21 percent of the precincts in, followed by New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson with 4 percent and Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich with 2 percent.

January 8, 2008

Schneider: Gender, age split keeping Democratic race close

Posted: 09:06 PM ET

(CNN) — Sen. Hillary Clinton is doing significantly better among women voters in New Hampshire than she did in Iowa. Clinton lost out to Sen. Barack Obama among women 35 percent to 30 percent in the Hawkeye State, but New Hampshire is a different story.

Forty-five percent of female Democratic primary voters picked Clinton, compared to 36 percent who went for Obama

Age is also playing a big factor. Older voters are overwhelmingly outnumbering younger voters, a proportion that is clearly benefiting Clinton. Sixty-seven percent of Democratic primary voters are over the age of 40, and they are breaking heavily for Clinton over Obama.