Democratic candidate U.S, Senator Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas, are back on the campaign trail in New Hampshire, seeking to capitalize on their stunning victories in Thursday night's Iowa caucuses.  The unexpected wins, each by a solid margin, by both Obama and Huckabee surprised the political establishment in Washington, as VOA correspondent Cindy Saine reports.

Sen. Barack Obama speaks at a rally in Concord, New Hampshire, 4 Jan 2008

"We will change the world," he said.  "That is the opportunity that begins right here, right now, four days from now in New Hampshire.  Stand with me, thank you."

Counting votes for Clinton with a show of hands at an Iowa caucus

"Are you ready for the next five days?  Well so am I," she said.  "I am looking forward to meeting as many people here across New Hampshire."

Former U.S. Senator John Edwards also vowed to fight on in the Democratic race, though he is trailing Clinton and Obama in the polls in New Hampshire.  Democratic Senators Joe Biden and Christopher Dodd dropped out of the race after poor showing in Iowa.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, campaigns in Henniker, New Hampshire, 4 Jan 2008

The likable, joke-telling former Baptist minister has criticized the corporate greed of Wall Street and called President Bush's foreign policy "arrogant", which has not made him a favorite of the Republican Party's political establishment.  But Evangelical Christians, who are strong in Iowa, turned out in full force for Huckabee. He is trailing Romney and Arizona U.S. Senator John McCain in the polls in New Hampshire, but he hopes to gain ground.

"My tax plan, which would completely overhaul the tax system, is connecting with voters in New Hampshire," he said.  "We only have a few days to close the sale, but I think the momentum coming out of Iowa is going to be good for us."

After his stinging defeat in Iowa, the former Massachusetts governor and successful businessman Romney was cautious, seeking to downplay expectations.

"I'd like to do very well in New Hampshire, of course I'd like to win," he noted.  "I don't think you have to win Iowa or New Hampshire, we've had nominees that haven't won either state before." 

The candidates only have four days to savor their victories or recover from their losses until New Hampshire voters have their say on Tuesday.