MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Jesse Jackson heads to New Hampshire today positioned once again to be a major power broker and a potentially divisive force in Democratic presidential politics.

With the withdrawal of Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder, Jackson, who won 7 million votes in 1988, regains his undisputed role as the nation's most influential black politician.

When he speaks at a homeless shelter here today, his every word will be scrutinized by Democratic strategists, party leaders and the presidential candidates themselves.

Jackson's pursuit of liberal causes endears him to his constituents but puts him at odds with moderate and conservative Democrats.

With five white candidates vying for the party's nomination and blacks accounting for up to 25 percent of the primary vote, analysts say, many black voters will take their cue from Jackson.