The first primary in the nation is underway in New Hampshire and Sen. John McCain and Hawaii-born Barack Obama have already jumped out in front.  

But with almost half of the voting population registered as independents, it's still anyone's game.

State law allows towns with less than a hundred people to vote at midnight.

So 45 people from Dixville Notch and Hart's location stayed up late to cast their ballots.

Earlier on Monday, the presidential hopefuls were out in full force trying to sway those independent voters.

On the democratic side, the polls show Hawaii-born Sen. Barack Obama has surged ahead of Sen. Hillary Clinton, who showed rare emotion as she pushed to connect with voters Monday.

"I have so many opportunities from this country…I just don't wanna see us fall backwards," said Presidential Hopeful Hillary Clinton.

On the republican side, McCain has leaped ahead of his main rival, Mitt Romney.

Some candidates even brought on the star power.

Tim Robbins joined democratic contender John Edwards and Chuck Norris had republican Mike Huckabee's back.

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