The Hiller Instinct: Primary Exit Polls

We've just received what's called the second wave of exit polls, the latest results of surveys taken throughout New Hampshire after voters actually voted.

The new polls are telling us more about what made voters make their choices and where the candidates are running strongest.

For example, when voters were asked which issue mattered most today, health care/medicare topped the list, the war in Iraq was number two and economy/jobs number three.

If you've been following the campaign here, you know two of the key groups the candidates targeted were women and veterans. The exit polls show us who is winning those groups, so far.

Among women, it's John Kerry who is capturing the biggest percentage of votes right now, followed by Howard Dean and Wesley Clark.

Among veterans, the order is the same, Kerry getting more support than any other democrat with Dean the runner up and retired General Wesley Clark third.

The exit polls also show us which candidate characteristics that voters are responding to.

We continue to see John Kerry's voters citing his experience and his electability, the belief he can beat President Bush.

While Howard Dean's supporters say he stands up for what he believes and would shake up Washington.

And John Edwards is winning votes for his positive message, which may help prove voters do want a positive campaign.

So the exit polls help us know plenty, but in just a few hours, we can file all the polls away, because we're going to know the winner.