Perry
Texas Gov. Rick Perry announced today that he has dropped out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination and is endorsing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
After poor showings in debates, coming in fifth place in the Iowa caucus and last in the New Hampshire primary, Perry chose to drop out before facing the upcoming South Carolina primary on Saturday and ahead of another debate on Thursday night.
"As I have contemplated the future of this campaign, I have come to the conclusion that there is no viable path to victory for my candidacy in 2012," Perry said at a press conference in North Charleston, S. C. "Therefore, today I am suspending my campaign and endorsing Newt Gingrich for president."
Perry said he entered the campaign offering a "unique perspective" as a governor whose state is leading the nation in job creation and as an executive leader who has implemented conservative policies.
"But I have never believed that the cause of conservatism is embodied by any one individual," he said. "Our party, and the conservative philosophy, transcends any one individual. It is a movement of ideas that are greater than any one of us, and that will live beyond our years."
The governor said he is returning to Texas "with pride, knowing I gave myself fully to a cause worthy of our country."
"As a Texan, I have never shied away from a good fight, especially when the cause was right," he said. "But as someone who has always admired a great Texas forefather -- Sam Houston -- I know when it is time for a 'strategic retreat.'"