In the first nominating contest of the 2008 presidential election, Mike Huckabee wins the Republican race, while Barack Obama comes out top in the Democratic caucuses.

"They said this day would never come...But on this January night at this defining moment in history, you came together, Democrats, Republicans and Independents to stand up and say that we are one nation, we are one people and our time for change has come!"
Barack Obama to his supporters after winning the Iowa Democratic vote.

A third-place finish has almost always been a one-way ticket to Palookaville Roger Simon, Politico.com At-a-glance: 2 Jan

"Tonight it starts here in Iowa, but it doesn't end here. It goes all the way through the other states and ends at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue one year from now."
Winning Republican Mike Huckabee.

" I'm going to keep on battling all the way and anticipate I get the nomination when it's all said and done."
Defeated Republican candidate Mitt Romney.

"I am so ready for the rest of this campaign and I am so ready to lead."
Hillary Clinton, after losing to Barack Obama.

"The one thing that's clear with the results in Iowa tonight is the status quo lost and change won."
Defeated Democrat John Edwards.

"In Iowa, a third-place finish has almost always been a one-way ticket to Palookaville."
Roger Simon on Politico.com does not believe candidates who say they do not mind not coming first.

The final survey before the caucuses by Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby suggests Senator Barack Obama is just ahead of John Edwards, with Senator Hillary Clinton in third place.

The same poll also suggests that Republican Mike Huckabee has extended his lead over his nearest rival, Mitt Romney, with Fred Thompson in third place.

Two Huckabee supporters are in high spirits at a caucus in the Embassy Suites, Des Moines