ROCK HILL, S.C. -- It's one down and plenty to go in the race to become the next president of the United States. With the Iowa caucuses finished, many candidates will soon turn their focus to the Carolinas.

"The race began in Iowa but it ends when Democrats across America have their say," said David Seman with the Hillary Clinton campaign.

Campaigns like Clinton's are taking comfort in that fact. Iowa officially began round one of the fight to become America's next president. After months of campaigning and powerful political punches, Republican Mike Huckabee and Democrat Barack Obama were the undisputed champions.

"This was the place where America remembers what it means to hope," said Sen. Obama.

"It starts here in Iowa," added Huckabee.

So exactly what does this mean for other presidential hopefuls like Mitt Romney, John McCain and North Carolina's John Edwards? Winthrop university political science professor Dr. Karen Kedrowski says they are not down for the count just yet but it won't be easy.

"Iowa is not a predictor of who will end up in the White House,” said Kedrowski. “The last person to win the Iowa Caucus and become president was Jimmy Carter and that was 1976."

At the Barack Obama headquarters in Rock Hill, S.C., the win in Iowa has motivated volunteers.

"This just affirms that people are ready for change," said Kevin Griffis with the Barack Obama campaign.

The Hillary Clinton Campaign is also looking for change, in the minds of voters.

"It comes down to who can make a real change," added Seman.

With one race down, there are plenty more to go. South Carolina plays a pivotal role in just weeks. Kedrowski says history shows South Carolinians do a much better job picking the Republican presidential nominee than the Democratic counterpart.

The Republican primary in South Carolina is Jan. 19. Democrats will head to the polls a week later on Jan. 26.