Poll: Bernie Sanders gains ground in New Hampshire

[Capt. Obvious]

Hillary Clinton may still hold a big lead in New Hampshire, but it is next-door-neighbor Sen. Bernie Sanders that makes the biggest jump in a WMUR Granite State Poll out Wednesday.

Sanders, an independent from Vermont, drew support from 13% of likely Democratic primary voters, according to the poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center before Sanders' announced his candidacy for president last month. The senator's support doubled from a February poll by the same group that found 6% of Democratic primary voters supported the independent.

Clinton is still the overwhelming favorite in the state with 51% support. And despite repeatedly saying she isn't running for president, Sen. Elizabeth Warren garnered 20% support from those polled.

Sanders' campaign aides have confidently said that their candidate can play in all early nominating states, but are wide-eyed about the fact that because of his politics and geographical connection Sanders' best state will likely be New Hampshire.

After announcing his candidacy last week, Sanders visited New Hampshire for a series of events over the weekend. The visit was Sanders' 10th trip to New Hampshire since 2014.

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[aikoaiko]

1. I would think the majority of the Warren supporters (20%) would flip to Bernie on election day, no?

[catnhatnh]

2. I'm betting at least 9 out of 10...

giving Bernie about 30% support even before the first debate...I think Hillary Clinton could easily lose both here AND Iowa.

[aikoaiko]

4. I really hadn't thought about this way before, but I think you're right. Bernie is close.

[stillwaiting]

3. TPTB really need to drop Warren as an option at this point since she hasn't declared.

Not doing so can steer the perception that Hillary has a much larger lead over Sanders than she might actually have so I imagine they will continue to include her for as long as they can get away with doing so.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Sanders over 25% in that poll without Warren in it, and that's a GREAT start. I would expect him to grow his position from there.