WASHINGTON, January 9 (RIA Novosti) - Democrat hopeful Hillary Clinton and Republican John McCain have won the New Hampshire presidential primary in the U.S.
The former first lady took 39.3% of the vote slightly ahead of her nearest rival Democrat Barack Obama, while McCain polled 36.8% to beat Republican challenger Mitt Romney who received 31.7% with 80% of all votes counted.
Clinton's primary win came as a surprise to commentators and her supporters alike as recent polls had given Obama a 13% lead going into the New Hampshire primary.
Obama conceded the victory congratulating Clinton: "She did an outstanding job, give her a big round of applause."
The New Hampshire primary is often seen as a litmus test for candidates in their bid to get selected as presidential candidates for the November 2008 polls prior to "Super Tuesday" when 20 states will hold elections on February 5.
