One Rick is finally out, with the other Rick sure to follow after tonight's debate. Rick Perry announced his withdrawal from the presidential race at a press conference in North Charleston, South Carolina. Perry stated "I have come to the conclusion that there is no viable path forward for me in the 2012 campaign, I know when it's time to make a strategic retreat."
Perry then endorsed Newt Gingrich by saying the 2012 campaign has "never been about the candidates" but about defeating President Obama and replacing him "with a conservative leader who will bring about real change." He called Gingrich "a conservative visionary who can transform our country."
As recent as December, Perry had this to say about marital fidelity:
"I've always kind of been of the opinion that if you cheat on your wife, you'll cheat on your business partner."
However, closing his statements at the press conference Perry noted, "The fact is, there is forgiveness for those who seek God, and I believe in the power of redemption," he continued. "I have no question Newt has the heart of a conservative reformer."
Full Story here.
Analysis:
Rick Perry's exit from the race leaves only four in competition for the nomination. Perry's endorsement of Newt Gingrich may help him in the short run, but new allegations by former wife Marianne may prove damaging to Gingrich's campaign again. Heading into the South Carolina primary, I see Romney in first, followed by either Paul or Gingrich, and last Santorum. This will all but force Santorum to drop out of the race leaving only three, leaving only Romney and Paul as true contenders. Gingrich and Santorum are both not on the Virginia ballot which hurts their progress. With the amount of candidates that have already dropped out by the third week of January, and one to definitely follow, it is clear the race will either be tied up for Romney before Super Tuesday or it will be a drawn out race between Romney and Paul. Look for continued media coverage claiming a three man race, excluding Paul.
Perry then endorsed Newt Gingrich by saying the 2012 campaign has "never been about the candidates" but about defeating President Obama and replacing him "with a conservative leader who will bring about real change." He called Gingrich "a conservative visionary who can transform our country."
As recent as December, Perry had this to say about marital fidelity:
"I've always kind of been of the opinion that if you cheat on your wife, you'll cheat on your business partner."
However, closing his statements at the press conference Perry noted, "The fact is, there is forgiveness for those who seek God, and I believe in the power of redemption," he continued. "I have no question Newt has the heart of a conservative reformer."
Full Story here.
Analysis:
Rick Perry's exit from the race leaves only four in competition for the nomination. Perry's endorsement of Newt Gingrich may help him in the short run, but new allegations by former wife Marianne may prove damaging to Gingrich's campaign again. Heading into the South Carolina primary, I see Romney in first, followed by either Paul or Gingrich, and last Santorum. This will all but force Santorum to drop out of the race leaving only three, leaving only Romney and Paul as true contenders. Gingrich and Santorum are both not on the Virginia ballot which hurts their progress. With the amount of candidates that have already dropped out by the third week of January, and one to definitely follow, it is clear the race will either be tied up for Romney before Super Tuesday or it will be a drawn out race between Romney and Paul. Look for continued media coverage claiming a three man race, excluding Paul.
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