Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, holds a large lead in the campaign for the Republican Party presidential nomination among likely New Hampshire GOP presidential primary voters. According to a new independent poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports, Romney leads his nearest competitor by nearly twenty points.

The story here is the continued rise of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, who is now essentially tied for second place. Given Mitt Romney's status as a "favorite son" as a result of his roots in neighboring Massachusetts, Huckabee is in excellent position to claim victory even if he places second to Romney, should Huckabee's lead continue to expand to primary day results.

The other story is the complete and utter collapse of the candidacy of Fred Dalton Thompson. Thompson, who entered Campaign 2008 amid much fanfare, is now polling in low single digits and obscure Congressman Ron Paul leads the former Hollywood character actor by nearly a 3-1 margin.

New Hampshire is the site of the nation's crucial first presidential primary. The election is January 8.

Here are Rasmussen's numbers:

Romney:  34%

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani:  15%

US Senator John McCain of Arizona:  15%

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee:  14%

Congressman Ron Paul of Texas:  8%

Former US Senator Fred Dalton Thompson of Tennessee:  3%