As goes New Hampshire, so goes the nation. ~ American Proverb [18638]

A truly American proverb, it orginally referred to the fact that New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify the US Constitution, which put it into effect. They were also the first state to have their own state constitution, which every other state later created for themselves.

Today, the proverb refers to the fact that New Hampshire's primary leads the election cycle. The thought being that their vote influences, and/or reflects, the rest of the nation.

Many other states are substituted in the proverb come election time, usually swing states that weigh heavy in the final outcome.