CNN

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) - A slight drizzle did little to dampen the spirits of the candidates' die hard supporters, who gathered outside Sullivan Arena Sunday night hours before the eight Democratic presidential candidates were set to take the stage.

Backers of Sen. Chris Dodd, Sen. Barack Obama and Sen Hillary Clinton shouted competing slogans and waved campaign signs as a group of supporters of former Sen. John Edwards marched towards the group to join the fray.

– CNN Political Editor Mark Preston