Historical precedents for the significance of Buchanan's victory are mixed. No incumbent president who gave up more than 35 percent of the New Hampshire vote has won the general election since World War II, but at the same time, no president has been elected without first winning New Hampshire since 1952.

In the 1968 elections, Sen. Eugene J. McCarthycaptured 42 percent of the Democratic vote againstincumbent Lyndon B. Johnson in New Hampshire.Three weeks later, Johnson announced that he wouldnot seek re-election.

Exit polls indicated that more than half ofthose who voted for Buchanan did so "to send amessage." Only 48 percent of his voters said theythought he was the best candidate, according toCNN.

Tsongas, like Buchanan, called his victory anaffront to politics-as-usual.

"Washington, we are sending you a message: Justtell us the truth," Tsongas said last night,flanked by his wife, sisters, and children. "We'regrown-ups. We can deal with it. We can overcomeit. Give us vision. Give us truth."

Tsongas also said his victory was a two-prongedmessage to Democrats. "We honor and cherish thecommitment to individual rights and theenvironment," he said. "That is our heart and thatis our soul."

"America does not trust [Democrats] with theeconomy," Tsongas continued. "That is the truthand that has to change."

The candidate raised both fists clenched invictory several times when his speech was stoppedby applause. Tsongas maintained his usual drysense of humor, chiding the crowd for interruptinghim with "We want Paul" chants at one point.

When a phone rang off stage, Tsongasdeadpanned, "Answer the phone and tell George Bushhe cannot concede till November."

And Tsongas continued to join other Democratsand Republicans in criticizing the President theyall hope to unseat in November. Tsongasspecifically mentioned Bush's 1988 advertisementsthat featured furloughed criminal Willie Horton.

The ads, which Bush said he intended tocriticize his opponent Michael S. Dukakis'sposition on crime, were widely considered asracist and racially divisive because theyhighlighted a Black criminal.

"George Bush divided America in order to ruleit," Tsongas said. "I'm going to unite America inorder to heal it."

Though Tsongas alone could claim victory amongthe Democrats, all were upbeat about their showingin yesterday's election. Arkansas Gov.

Bill Clinton was claiming a victory becausesome polls showed he would finish in a far weakerposition after recent allegations of maritalinfidelity and draft-dodging.

"New Hampshire tonight has made Bill Clintonthe comeback kid," the runner-up said, standingbeside his wife, Hillary.

Clinton's aides expressed confidence that hewould improve on his second place showing,particularly in the South on Super Tuesday. Thecandidate himself made an even bolder prediction.