Perry to drop out of Republican presidential race, endorse Gingrich

[Geee]

Fox News:

Rick Perry will drop out of the presidential race Thursday and endorse Newt Gingrich, Fox News confirms, a decision that comes just two days before the South Carolina Republican primary.

The decision comes after the Texas governor, who once led the field of GOP hopefuls, endured disappointing finishes in the leadoff Iowa and New Hampshire contests. While he is polling only in single digits in South Carolina, his decision to withdraw could end up giving a boost to one of his opponents should his supporters gravitate toward a particular candidate.


Perry was seen as competing for social conservative supporters alongside Rick Santorum and Gingrich, though the latter two candidates were faring much better in the polls.

Gingrich has been trying to lock down support of primary voters who are reluctant to back frontrunner Mitt Romney, even urging Santorum and Perry to drop out earlier in the week. Following a strong debate performance on Monday, recent polls have shown Gingrich closing the gap with Romney -- two new polls even show Gingrich narrowly leading in South Carolina.

But the race remains in flux. Santorum enjoyed a burst of good news Thursday when the Iowa GOP announced that certified vote totals showed Santorum actually led Romney by 34 votes in the Iowa caucuses. Party officials initially said Romney won that contest by eight votes. The results from eight precincts are missing, making it virtually impossible to declare an official winner, but the Iowa announcement Thursday could help Santorum build the case for his candidacy. He and Ron Paul have trailed Gingrich and Romney in most recent polls.

Gingrich also is bracing for an interview set to air Thursday night with his second ex-wife, while Romney continues to face questions about his personal wealth and tax records.

[Valin]

Good for Rick.

[Valin]

[Valin]

From a Ron Paul Supporter

Rick Perry drops out of presidential race! Another one bites the dust! Ron Paul 2012! Awesome! We just don't want that Christian Dominionist crap!

]

 

Do these clowns really think they are helping Ron Paul with this kind of stuff?

[Casino67]

From a Ron Paul Supporter

Rick Perry drops out of presidential race! Another one bites the dust! Ron Paul 2012! Awesome! We just don't want that Christian Dominionist crap!

]

 

Do these clowns really think they are helping Ron Paul with this kind of stuff?

 

I think it is helping the electorate realize that his supporters are just as nutty as their candidate.

[Valin]

From a Ron Paul Supporter

Rick Perry drops out of presidential race! Another one bites the dust! Ron Paul 2012! Awesome! We just don't want that Christian Dominionist crap!

]

 

Do these clowns really think they are helping Ron Paul with this kind of stuff?

 

I think it is helping the electorate realize that his supporters are just as nutty as their candidate.

 

 

They really remind me of Obamabots in 08. I think it's more of a crusade for them, than a campaign.

[Jill]

I don't know about you, but I can't wait until that drooling old idiot leaves once and for all. I just hope he takes his whackjob supporters with him.

 

Good for Rick.

 

Yean, I was for Perry all the way, but Newt is going to have to do. I think he WILL win SC now, and probably the nomination.

[Casino67]

Did Perry's decision to 'suspend' catch everyone flatfooted? It seems as though I went to bed earlier today and had not heard anything about it.

 

I think it is also SOP to endorse the candidate who will help out with the campaign's bills. But everyone seems to have thought Perry had tons of money already. Confused.