Presidential Race

NASHUA -- The first New Hampshire poll since the two national political conventions shows Barack Obama leading John McCain outside of the margin of error.

The CNN/Time Magazine poll gave Obama a 51 percent to 45 percent lead. The poll had a margin of error of +/- 3 percent. This poll may be evidence that the Granite State is bucking the national trend this week of higher numbers for McCain since Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's speech a week ago.

Since Obama clinched the Democratic nomination in June both presidential candidates have been locked in a tie within the margin of error.

The New Hampshire Republican Party's leadership has endorsed U.S. Sen. John McCain.

"With Senator McCain clinching the nomination, I am pleased to announce that National Committeewoman Phyllis Woods, National Committeeman Sean Mahoney, and I heartily endorse Senator McCain," Republican state Chairman Fergus Cullen announced in a statement.