[grania]

I don't like the NH primary. Decades ago, it was a nice measure of what impressed very independent and free-thinking voters. Now (on the Republican side for sure) it's rigged at the top. Evidence....Senator Kelly Ayotte and Scott Brown's nomination. GWB controlling the money and controlling the show. McCain's popularity coming from nowhere, it seems. Romney owning the primary. Ron Pauls popularity not translating to primary votes.

What's this about Ted Cruz not being on the list? I ignore any polling with that situation, problem is the media uses it to push establishment faves.

[woodbutcher1963]

The problem started when it became an open primary and same day registration. I see people in my town go into the local polling place, change registration to either a democrat or republican, vote and then change back to independent 5 minutes later. This is why moderate, middle of the road republicans keep winning the NH republican primary.

The breakdown is about 1/3 each dem, pubbie, independent.
The independents swing the vote both ways especially in close races.

We had a closed primary up until 10-15 years ago. It was better when you had to declare your affiliation 60 days prior to primary day. Back then a true conservative had a chance. Now, too many people RINO make up the voting block.