A wide open race for the White House

If we learned anything from the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary, it is that despite the nonstop commentary from political pundits, and the endless money that goes into politics today, elections are still in the hands of the voters.

In a record overall voter turnout in both states, independents, women and young people, traditionally underrepresented groups among voters, played major roles in deciding the outcomes of both elections.

As Barack Obama proclaimed after New Hampshire's primary, the elections show that "there is something happening in America."

Despite non-stop media hype surrounding the campaigns and record amounts of money spent on advertising, results in both states shocked pollsters and party members alike.

After pledging $17 million out of his own pocket, it seemed that Mitt Romney would be unstoppable in Iowa. Yet, despite all predictions and pre-caucus polling, Mike Huckabee beat out Romney, capturing nearly 10 percent more votes.

Before any voting took place, John McCain had been practically written off by pundits, while Hillary Clinton was touted as the Democratic shoe-in candidate. Neither proved to be true, after Obama won Iowa and McCain won in New Hampshire.

Even after the surprising results of the past week's votes, the media continues to call the election nearly decided.

While it is certainly true that beginning the primary season with a strong start is beneficial, voters should take the time to examine the statistics before they surrender to the media's insistence that the election is almost a done deal.

Neither of the country's past two presidents, George W. Bush nor Bill Clinton, won over voters in New Hampshire during their first elections.

Just like in this year's primary, McCain won among independents in 2000 and beat Bush, yet went on to lose the Republican nomination. While winning Iowa and New Hampshire can certainly motivate presidential hopefuls, it is far from a guarantee for either party's nomination.

It is important to keep in mind that Iowa and New Hampshire are only as important as the rest of America allows them to be. The overwhelming majority of Americans have yet to weigh in.

Remember that the biggest states with the most electoral votes, particularly New York and California, have not yet held their primaries.

While we here in California still have over three weeks to wait for the primary on Feb. 5, it is important to not lose hope.

Don't abandon your favorite candidate because you think he or she has no chance at winning.

Don't give in to the media's sensationalized account of the viability or unlikelihood of a candidate securing the nomination. Let's follow the example of voters in Iowa and New Hampshire and not succumb to the pressure of voting for who media pundits claim will inevitably win.

Go out and spread the message of your candidate. Talk to those that you trust and respect, your family, friends and teachers, about who they are choosing to support. Let's show the nation that the voice of the voter is exponentially more important than money spent on advertising.

Continue to research the candidates right up until it is your turn to vote, and ultimately choose the candidate that best fits your own values and political beliefs.

Because who knows who will win: It is still anybody's race.