There was an informal straw poll at a debate-watching party hosted by a prominent New Hampshire conservative, Jennifer Horn, a recent Republican congressional candidate who previously backed former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's now-abandoned bid.

Horn said that of about 40 Republicans at the party, only about four said they supported Perry before the debate began. Th at was cut in half after the debate.

"That's not a scientific sample. But that do es show that people are influenced by what happens at these debat es," Horn said. "That was highly unfortunate, especially for people in New  Hampshire who know  how  strong he can be in person. It was difficult to watch."