Romney Shutters Campaign
by Josh Gerstein
Thu, 7 Feb 2008 at 12:58 PM
updated Thu, 7 Feb 2008 at 1:29 PM
Mitt Romney announced today that he is dropping out of the presidential race, clearing the way for Senator McCain to advance towards the Republican nomination.
"If I fight on in my campaign all the way to the convention--I want you to know I've given this a lot of thought—I'd forestall the launch of a national campaign. And, frankly, I'd be making it easier for Senator Clinton or Obama to win," Mr. Romney told the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington. "Frankly, in this time of war, I simply cannot let me campaign be a part of aiding a surrender to terror."
At the end of a fiery speech stressing his conservative values, including many areas where he differs with Mr. McCain, Mr. Romney said the choice for him was not a pleasant one. "This isn't an easy decision. I hate to lose," the former Massachusetts governor said. "Because I love America, in this time of war, I feel I have to now stand aside for our party and for our country," he said.
Mr. Romney's withdrawal came as a surprise to many of the conservative activists in attendance. They cheered mightily through his speech, but groaned loudly as he concluded it by announcing his intention to withdraw. "You guys are great," the ex-governor declared.
The front-runner in the Republican race, Senator McCain of Arizona, is scheduled to speak to the same conference later today.
Just two nights ago, at the conclusion of the Super Tuesday contests, Mr. Romney vowed to remain in the race. However, the following day he hunkered down with his advisers about whether he had any realistic chance of winning the nomination. He apparently concluded he did not.
Mr. Romney's withdrawal leaves Mr. McCain and Michael Huckabee as the only two serious contenders for the Republican nomination, with Mr. McCain at a large advantage in the delegate count and Mr. Huckabee running strong in the South and in Iowa, but having little resonance elsewhere.
Mr. Romney spent at least $35 million of his own money on his campaign.
Related Topics: GOP Primary
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