Massachusetts had attempted to increase its influence on the nomination process by moving its primary forward to 5 February, but because so many other large states did likewise its role in the process will be less important that it had hoped.

PRIMARY INFORMATION Date of primary: 5 February [Super Tuesday] Election polltracker Full state profile Q&A: US primary elections

The Republican race here will not be competitive: former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will be expected to take the state by a landslide, although eyebrows will be raised if any other candidates manage to dent his lead significantly.

The Democratic contest is far from settled. Hillary Clinton holds a strong lead according to the opinion polls, but Barack Obama has received endorsements from Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and both of the state's senators - former presidential candidate John Kerry and party icon Ted Kennedy.

If these senior party figures are able to use their influence in his favour, then Mr Obama might just be in with a chance here.

Little money has been spent in Massachusetts as yet, although the leading Democrats have had staff based here for some time, mainly to help with campaigning in neighbouring New Hampshire.

Massachusetts has a reputation for liberalism and voters here - in both parties - are less likely to approve of candidates who hold conservative positions on social issues.