Republican Mike Huckabee and Democrat Barack Obama claimed victory Tuesday night in the Iowa caucuses – the first steps in the wide open presidential race.

But Kansas political pundits and party leaders said both nomination races are far from over. The Iowa results also shed light on other story lines, they said.

Former Sen. John Edwards likely gained enough votes to keep his Democratic campaign going and hung with Sen. Hillary Clinton.

“I would have thought that a poor showing by Edwards probably would have knocked him out. For Obama and Hillary, it’s just going to move on to the next place,” said Allan Cigler, a Kansas University political science professor.

Former Sen. Fred Thompson probably earned enough to stay in the race. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney couldn’t hold onto his early success in Iowa.

“For Romney, it’s a huge disappointment, given the money he spent there,” said Don Haider-Markel, a KU associate political science professor.

And Kansas leaders in both parties said the race would likely still be competitive for the Kansas caucuses in early February.

“If tonight’s excitement and enthusiasm is any indication, it’s going to be a very exciting caucus night on Feb. 5,” said Mike Gaughan, executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party.

Kansas Republicans will caucus Feb. 9.

Although Huckabee and Obama claimed victory in Iowa, more will be decided during the next month.

“It places a stamp of electability onto Huckabee,” said Christian Morgan, executive director of the Kansas Republican Party.

Craig Campbell, chairman of the Douglas County Republicans, said Huckabee comes off as a personable candidate, which helped him Tuesday.

Obama’s grass-roots campaign in Iowa paid off, said Gaughan and Tom Hartley, chairman of the Douglas County Democrats.

“Obama’s message throughout the campaign has been about a new direction for America,” Gaughan said. “I think all the Democratic candidates are doing a very good job of articulating why we need a change in Washington.”