"Most simply, *national* polls reflect what issues are important to voters but provide little information as to who is winning, the analysts said. Early *state* polls are handier for judging the horse race of candidates..."

"'Pay a lot of attention to those early states, because no matter who's leading nationwide, the person who wins those states ... can change the whole contest.'"

"Timing is key. National polls fade in significance as state primaries begin."

"'In 2000 and 2004, the polls were so incorrect at this point in time as to be completely meaningless.'"

"'The closer to the contest date, the more accurate a poll should be. New Hampshire voters tend to make up their minds at the very last minute.'"