CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: So having opted out of Iowa, McCain has been waiting here stealthily for George W. Bush. CNN's Bill Delaney explains to us the strategy that McCain is using in this very stubborn and contrarian state.</s>BILL DELANEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Staying upbeat about his decision to stay away from the Iowa caucuses, Arizona Senator John McCain said of his lackluster result there: no surprise.</s>SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R-AZ), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We had no involvement in the campaign, and we saved ourselves a lot of money in assets. We are very happy with where we are here in New Hampshire. We are looking forward to the play-offs that are going to begin tomorrow, and welcome all back to New Hampshire.</s>DELANEY: While Iowa held its caucuses, McCain spent Monday campaigning in the state he has put all his chips on: New Hampshire. In the town of Plymouth, holding his 100th town hall meeting. Also attending, in the town of Hanover, what was billed as a celebration of New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary.</s>MCCAIN: I see it very close. I see a large undecided, as always. I think some citizens in New Hampshire will change their mind three or four times between now and a week from tomorrow. And I think it's going to be very spirited and a great experience. Look, this is really democracy in action, and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I think the outcome is going to be close.</s>DELANEY: What matters to McCain: a strong showing in New Hampshire, to make up for not making much of a ripple in Iowa. (on camera): McCain's staffers say, they expect a deluge of ads now from George W. Bush post-Iowa. But they believe their single- minded commitment here, even if they are outspent by Bush, will pay off. Bill Delaney, CNN, New Hampshire.
Election 2000: McCain Betting on New Hampshire