Final answer:
Early presidential nominating contests like the New Hampshire primary are primarily about gaining momentum. Strong early results can help candidates secure additional funding and support, establishing them as viable contenders for the nomination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Candidate strategy in the early presidential nominating contests, such as New Hampshire's primary, is designed chiefly to gain momentum. The initial victories in these early contests are crucial as they tend to shrink the field of candidates by weeding out those who perform poorly. A strong showing in these early stages not only boosts a candidate's visibility but also helps attract essential funding and further support. This initial surge is often critical in establishing a candidate as a serious contender, which can influence subsequent primaries and caucuses.
The rise of presidential primaries and caucuses has led to longer and more expensive campaigns, with candidates aiming to win voter support directly. Moreover, the ability to raise funds early in the campaign is vital, as it often correlates with a candidate's viability. Campaign managers work hard to reach voters and get them to vote, focusing on name recognition and issue positions to win over the general population.