LOGJAM IN THIRD PLACE

A logjam of Republican candidates were in a dead heat for third place. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who won the Iowa caucus last week, had 12 percent; former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, the son and brother of former presidents, had 11 percent, and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida had 10 percent.

Christie, who had counted on a strong showing in New Hampshire, was next with 8 percent followed by former businesswoman Carly Fiorina with 4 percent and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson with 2 percent.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who was a candidate in the race until he dropped out in January, predicted Bush would do well in the next primary, in his home state.

“The Bush name is golden in my state,” Graham said.

“Let me just say this from the party’s point of view: we need an alternative to Donald Trump or we’re going to lose an election we should win,” he said.

*Reported by Reuters