MANCHESTER, N.H. — Gov. Bill Richardson, still polling in single digits going into an election that could deal a lethal blow to his presidential aspirations, seemed more relaxed on the eve of New Hampshire's primary than he did on that frantic day before last week's crippling Iowa caucuses.

Last Wednesday, Richardson made a final round of stops around Iowa, traveling hundreds of miles from early morning to night, taking questions from voters and trying to make his case that he's the most qualified Democrat to lead the nation.

On Monday, Richardson's day was long but not as hurried. He never went more than 50 miles from Manchester, New Hampshire's largest city. The New Mexico governor spent many stops doing what he does best — pressing the flesh, dropping in at coffee shops and restaurants, hopping tables to greet supporters and strangers alike.

He seemed far more rested than he did on that final day of campaigning in Iowa. Perhaps he was. He had canceled several Sunday night stops that previously were on his schedule.

Could it be that Richardson has come to accept what many pundits have been saying since Iowa — if they mention him at all — that his run for the presidency essentially is over? Is Richardson trying to wind down gracefully?

The most recent polls offer Richardson little reason to hope he'll become a true contender for the party's nomination. His numbers range from 3 percent to 8 percent. Despite Richardson's boast of reaching "the final four," attention from both national and New Hampshire news media almost has disappeared.

And so have his television commercials in New Hampshire. Richardson campaign manager Dave Contarino confirmed Monday that no ads have run in several days. "We did a fairly substantial buy, and they just came to an end," he said.

Richardson, as is his habit, joked with some campaign workers in Portsmouth, N.H., telling them, "You're fired." To some, however, that probably wasn't just a joke. After the Iowa caucuses, Richardson had to lay off several staff members.

It's hard to imagine Richardson being able to raise significant funds if the Iowa disappointment is followed by a poor showing in New Hampshire.

Last week, Richardson was saying he'd hang on at least until the Feb. 5 "Super Tuesday" primaries, which include several Western states such as New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and California. In a Manchester speech Monday, he referred to those states as "Bill Richardson territory," even though polls from those states — except New Mexico — show him in single digits.

Now campaign staffers privately say Richardson will stay on the trail at least until the Jan. 19 Nevada primary, where he also is polling in single digits.

Contarino declined to discuss what Richardson would do if the polls are correct and Richardson comes in a distant fourth in New Hampshire. "We're focusing only on tomorrow," he said Monday.

But if Richardson thinks his chances are nil, he didn't show it publicly Monday.

At his final rally, at the Franco-American Club in Manchester, Richardson sounded forceful and determined, like someone who believes his campaign spin about a "surge" since Saturday's televised debate appearance with the Democratic front-runners. Though in the past his speeches tended to be meandering and unfocused, in recent days, his rhetorical skills seem noticeably better.

He raised his voice when he started to speak about Iraq. "Only 37 (American) deaths in December," he said incredulously. "That's 37 too many!" he thundered as the room exploded in applause.

A few hours earlier, answering questions from a couple of hundred voters at the Timberland clothing factory in Stratham, N.H., Richardson was charming and funny. The crowd seemed to eat up everything he said. Timberland employee Cheryl LaScola contrasted Richardson favorably with Republican candidate Mitt Romney, who had spoken at the plant earlier Monday. Richardson seemed genuine, she said, while Romney seemed "slick and staged."

Nonetheless, LaScola said she's leaning toward backing Hillary Clinton. "I think she probably has a little more firepower," she said.

Richardson visited the Market Square area of downtown Portsmouth, an Eastern seacoast city, where he was accompanied by former Mayor Steve Marchand.

The streets were lined with supporters of various candidates. Shortly before Richardson's arrival, his supporters infiltrated both sides of the street, adding Richardson signs to the colorful mix.

One of those was Jane Brown, who came from Indianapolis to work for Richardson. She said she first learned about Richardson from her youngest son, A.J. Brown, a film student at the College of Santa Fe.

In a coffeehouse, Richardson embraced someone whose support for him is even less likely — Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Democratic rival Hillary Clinton and former President Clinton. Chelsea happened to be getting a coffee when Richardson and his entourage walked in.

At a nearby restaurant, called Popovers, Richardson was approached by a young woman who said she was from Alamogordo.

After shaking hands with Richardson, Melanie Theodore, who now lives in Portsmouth, told a reporter, "I do like Bill Richardson," but she added she's a registered independent and might back another candidate. "I'm not sure whether I'll vote for Richardson or (Republican Rudy) Giuliani."

Contact Steve Terrell at 986-3037 or sterrell@sfnewmexican.com.