We have only had three nominating primaries/caucuses so far this election season and already everyone is calling the race over and suggesting that Gingrich, Santorum, and Paul just need to go home.

Keep in mind all the talking heads are suggesting this when Romney has only won ONE contest, his current home state of New Hampshire. Now, it’s highly likely that he will also win Florida tomorrow and there is no debating that he is the most organized, well funded, experienced candidate in the race. That makes him the odds on favorite to get the nomination. But, why not let the voters make the determination?

Why should only South Carolina, Iowa, New Hampshire and Florida get to have their voices heard? Wouldn’t it be nice for a western state like Washington or California to weigh in? Or how about a real Southern state like North Carolina?

But no, if the pundits and party bosses have their way, this contest is over with only a fraction of the electorate having voted.

And, let’s be clear, this isn’t just a Republican issue. The Democrats went through the same game in 2008 with a host of calls for Hillary Clinton to drop out. I for one was thrilled that she didn’t. The fight to the end was epic. It was a political reporter’s dream. If only the Republicans could do the same!

And, please understand, for all those hand wringers out there, that so called divisive fight in the Democratic Party in 2008 did nothing to hurt the eventual nominee. In fact, if anything it made Barack Obama a stronger candidate. He gained experience while at the same time spent valuable time organizing in a lot of states that Democrats generally ignore, like Indiana, Virginia, and North Carolina. And guess what… he won all three traditional Republican states.

My message to the party poo-bahs is simple… the party has just begun. Let’s see how this plays out with the voters getting to have the final say!