Sen. Carl Levin, D-Michigan.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Michigan Senator Carl Levin used his time in front of the Rules and Bylaws Committee to attack New Hampshire's "privileged position" as the traditional first-in-the-nation presidential primary.

He also attacked the committee for ultimately granting New Hampshire a waiver that allowed it to maintain that status, despite a party plan designed to address complaints from other areas of the country.

Levin argued that Michigan had accepted the ruling that it would not be one of the four states allowed to hold its primary in January — objecting only when New Hampshire, which was not included in that group, was granted a waiver.

"[The committee] put us in the position of taking on the perpetual privilege [that] no state should have," Levin said.

"…We decided, we're not going to sit by and do nothing for another decade or two."

Levin is a longtime critic of the special status granted New Hampshire and Iowa, whose caucuses are the first presidential preference votes in the nation.

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Well, here it is – 3 a.m. on the day before the first-in-the-nation primary, as we sweep the cobwebs from our heads and ponder what’s about to happen in the Granite State. I’m being extra careful with my broom today after I idiotically typed 1960 instead of 1952 for the last non-incumbent general election (sleep-deprivation can be REALLY frightening sometimes). My apologies for that – I didn’t even realize what I had written until a few hours later…

While all of our upcoming interviews with the candidates and reports from our fine correspondents will delve into the issues, it’s interesting to take a moment here to look at what the polls are telling us and how that might affect the outcome. New Hampshire is fiercely independent, and voters insist what happens elsewhere doesn’t matter much in New England. That said, Barack Obama does appear to have enjoyed a bounce from his decisive victory in Iowa – now leading Hillary Clinton by 10 points. She still enjoys a comfortable advantage in the area of experience, but 67 percent of likely Democratic voters here say what matters most is the ability to bring about change – the same resounding message that Iowa voters sent on Thursday.

On the Republican side, John McCain benefits most from experience and has surged in the polls here, more than doubling his numbers from where he was 6 months ago. Will lightning strike twice for McCain in New Hampshire? Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani have traded places in our latest poll – Huckabee does not appear to be in a position to win – even he has said that McCain will probably take it - but a strong showing here could set him up well for South Carolina and Florida, where his support is strong.

There’s also another interesting story here – Ron Paul. A growing number of independents in New Hampshire (and they account for about 40 percent of the electorate) say they’ll vote Republican. They account for much of McCain’s increase, but what might that also mean for Ron Paul? He’s currently polling fifth, but a surge of independents could propel him to a good showing here. Makes you wonder why he was excluded from last night’s debate on Fox.

The big stories to watch tomorrow night – what happens to Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney? They were the names to beat here, and things are looking (at least according to the polls) a little shaky. Of course, there’s the possibility that the polls are entirely wrong, though New Hampshire is easier to read than Iowa because of the nature of the primary.

Another win by Barack Obama could begin to clarify the race on the Democratic side – while a win from McCain could make things even more unpredictable for the Republicans.

–CNN American Morning Anchor John Roberts

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Things are heating up on the campaign trail, with a litte more than two weeks until the Iowa caucuses.

In Tuesday's The Best Political Podcast, Suzanne Malveaux reports from the Hawkeye State about some magical help Sen. Hillary Clinton got on the campaign trail.

Some Republicans are asking "where's Rudy Giuliani?" Bill Schneider takes a look at the former New York City Mayor's late primary, large state strategy for winning the Republican presidential nomination.

Mary Snow spent some time with Rep. Ron Paul's campaign in New Hampshire. She reports on what Paul's supporters are doing to translate the Texas Republican's online support and recordbreaking fundraising into votes in the Granite State's crucial primary.

Plus, it's been a banner day on the CNN Political Ticker. John King shares with you some of the Ticker posts garnering reader attention and commentary.

Click here to subscribe to The Best Political Podcast

–CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart

Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.

STRATHAM, New Hampshire (CNN)–Rudy Giuliani told voters, Sunday, to focus on staying "competitive" domestically rather than worry about jobs outsourced abroad.

"The best thing to keep jobs here is to be competitive," the former New York mayor told a voter who had asked about software jobs being shipped to India and China.

Giuliani said the solution was to "Make it attractive for businesses to keep jobs here in the U.S," and cited lower taxes and less regulation as key incentives for businesses.

Giuliani also asked the crowd to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit.

"Here are two emerging economies, 20 to 30 million people a year coming out of poverty in each one of those countries," Giuliani said of India and China. "I see them as 20 to 30 million more customers. What can we sell them? What can we sell them that is cost effective for us and for them."

Energy independent technology, health care systems, and financial institutions topped the presidential hopeful's list of American products that would be in high demand in emerging markets.

Giuliani also drew lines between economic policy and foreign policy.

Said Giuliani: "When we trade with countries on a sensible basis, we become friends."

–New Hampshire Producer Sareena Dalla

McCain spoke at a town hall event Sunday in New Hampshire.

NEW LONDON, New Hampshire (CNN) ­– At a northern Granite state town hall, Sen. John McCain, a fierce advocate for staying the course in the Iraq war, told voters he would not support reparations for Iraqis.

"I will not support reparations," the Arizona senator said. "I think the American people have already invested enough in American blood and treasure."

When asked to consider the numbers of Iraqis killed and displaced concomitant with the impact of war on Iraq's infrastructure, McCain stood firm.

"You talk about one of the many consequences of the failure to conduct the war correctly for nearly four years," McCain said to the Granite state questioner. "And I'm happy to tell you that exodus has turned around and Iraqis are now coming back from Jordan and other places back to Iraq because we have established an environment in which they can live more peacefully."

McCain, a former prisoner of war, championed the progress of the current Iraq strategy and stated that once a stabilized government was instituted, the oil-rich resources of the Iraqi state would pay for the damages.

"I think that there is very little doubt that if we can restore the Iraqi economy, sitting on the second largest pool of oil in the Middle East, that the Iraqi government will be able to take care of their people," said McCain.

Click here to see CNN's new political portal: CNNPolitics.com

–CNN New Hampshire Producer Sareena Dalla

Bill Clinton said it was important for young voters to remain engaged in the political process.

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN)– ­ Before a crowd of young college democrats Friday, former President Bill Clinton encouraged young people to continue their engagement in the political process.

"That ought to be our mission. Your generation has more to expect in this than anyone else," Clinton said to a crowd of 20 some-things. "Because the 21st century is either going to be the most prosperous, peaceful, interesting time in human history– or one long set of nightmares. And it depends on what we do."

While Clinton spoke affectionately about his wife and presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, he also told the crowd the New York Senator would be his top choice despite their relation.

"If we were not married, and she asked me to be here tonight, I would be here for her." Clinton continued by referencing CNN's Democratic debate "because I think as you saw last night, she has the strength, the experience, the ideas and the determination to change this country and to lead us together to reclaim the 21st century for you."

The former President also humorously discussed how outreach to young voters, a key voting block in his 1992 presidential bid, had changed dramatically since his time in the White House.

"When I took office there were only 50 sites on the World Wide Web," Clinton told a crowd of laughing twenty year olds who have grown up online-savvy.

"When I took office, the average weight of the cell phone was five pounds, now I can't even get my big hands on one. So we had to do really rudimentary things like go on MTV. It was unbelievable, young people gave the energy, the drive, the thrust to our campaign."

Click here to see CNN's new political portal: CNNPolitics.com

–CNN New Hampshire Producer Sareena Dalla

Mike Huckabee says value voters have coalesced around his campaign.

DURHAM, New Hampshire (CNN) – Following a five kilometer morning run at the University of New Hampshire Saturday, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee told students and reporters that while there may be division among evangelical leaders, there is no division among the "grassroots rank and file."

This statement comes after three key endorsements this week to three separate presidential candidates: Sen. Sam Brownback to John McCain, Christian Coalition founder, Pat Robertson to New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Donald Wildmon of the American Family Association for Huckabee.

Huckabee remains a "dark horse" in the republican field but his campaign has gained traction by growing support among the hotly contested social conservative voting block. Huckabee points to his performance in the three Value Voters straw polls as an indication that he has a solid command over the key demographic.

"Among the troops, there is no division, there is a clear consensus and they have coalesced around me," Huckabee said. "Some of the people who are the heads of organizations are scattered but their people aren't. Frankly when it gets down to it, having the people is going to be more important than having the leader." He then added, "If I have the choice between one leader and 50 thousand followers, I'll take the 50 thousand followers any day."

Huckabee also told reporters he wished he had received Pat Robertson's endorsement and and was surprised that he had given his backing to New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

"That was a real surprise and it apparently surprised a lot of his supporters as well," Huckabee, a former pastor said. "There was a lot of anger directed towards Pat and feeling like he had abandoned core principles that he had always adhered to, but you know it's his choice and I respect it, wish I could have had his endorsement but didn't. But again, I'll take his people any day."

Click here to see CNN's new political portal: CNNPolitics.com

– CNN New Hampshire Producer Sareena Dalla

WASHINGTON (CNN) — A new poll shows Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, and former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Massachusetts in the lead in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

The poll by the American Research Group shows former Gov. Mike Huckabee, R-Arkansas, moving up to second place behind Romney in Iowa and making some ground in South Carolina and New Hampshire.

On the Democratic side, Sen. Clinton maintains her front runner status in all three states.

Republicans

                 Iowa        NH           SC
Romney            27%        30%          29%
Giuliani          16%        23%          23%
McCain            14%        17%          13%
Huckabee          19%         7%           5%
Thompson           8%         5%          10%

Democrats

                 Iowa        NH          SC
Clinton           32%        40%         41%
Obama             22%        22%         19%
Edwards           15%        10%         18%
Richardson         7%         5%          1%
Biden              5%         4%          6%

Sample Size: 600 likely voters
Sample Dates: Oct. 26-29, 2007
Margin of error: +/-4%

– CNN Political Producer Xuan Thai

Watch this clip of New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg endorsing Mitt Romney on Monday.

(CNN) — Sen. Judd Gregg, R-New Hampshire, endorsed Mitt Romney Monday.  As he began his speech, Gregg made a serious slip of the tongue; he tripped up and almost referred to Romney as Democrat.  Watch this clip.

Click here to see CNN's new political portal: CNNPolitics.com

– CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart

Clinton ad targets seniors

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) – Sen. Hillary Clinton launched a new television ad in Iowa and New Hampshire Monday designed to reach senior citizens.

In the 30-second spot, Clinton highlights her role as an advocate for the elderly by focusing on key issues of the demographic: Social Security and long term health insurance. Clinton asserts she is the candidate that has been with seniors “all along.”

The Republican National Committee immediately responded with a sharp critique of the New York Democrat’s ad.

“How can Senator Clinton claim to be there for you, when she won’t even give a straight answer on how to save Social Security? The one thing we know about Hillary Clinton and Social Security is that she was definitely there in the White House when Bill raised taxes on benefits and she was definitely there in the Senate when she refused to repeal it.”

— CNN New Hampshire Producer Sareena Dalla

Gregg endorses Romney before heading to state capitol to file .

CONCORD, New Hampshire (CNN) – On Monday, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was served up a double helping of good news: a Red Sox World Series victory and the endorsement of New Hampshire political powerhouse Sen. Judd Gregg.

The former Massachusetts governor made the announcement outside the New Hampshire Political Library.

“We have history in the making and then to have the support of Judd and Kathy Gregg this is just so wonderful,” Romney said.

Following the endorsement, Gregg and his wife, Kathy, led the crowd of campaign supporters through the halls of the statehouse to Secretary of State William Gardner’s office.

Gardner is a long time friend of the Gregg family, co-authoring a book with the senator’s father, Hugh, a former New Hampshire governor, in 2003. A picture of the Gregg family hangs in the main room.

After signing his name, Romney met with reporters and discussed the personal historical significance of his filing.

“I’m also thrilled as you can imagine to be sitting in the seat, I imagine my father sat in 40 some odd years ago when he declared his candidacy,” Romney said. “I intend to follow his footsteps up to a point– and the point is I plan on winning.”

Romney’s father, former Michigan Gov. George Romney, sought the GOP nomination in 1968.

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