Front row center in New Hampshire

NASHUA, N.H. - For political junkies who fly in from around the country every four years to enjoy classic election theater, the campaign for Tuesday's New Hampshire primary shaped up as a letdown. Kevin Modesti in the Daily News.

New Hampshire's make-or-break influence on the presidential race had shrunk in recent decades. Curiosity about the 2012 candidates had been diluted by months of nationally televised debates. Only the Republicans had a real contest going, so there were fewer contenders and fewer events.

With polls leaving little doubt New England local Mitt Romney would top the vote, rivals already were turning to the next battle. Even the weather was disappointing - meaning it wasn't as freezing as normal for January, and roadside campaign signs weren't buried in snow up to their slogans.