Former Senator Rick Santorum is reportedly set to officially “suspend” his campaign for the Republican nomination for President. The conservative challenger’s departure clears the way for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney to claim the GOP nomination and turn his attention toward President Obama rather than his Republican rivals. Double-digit primary/caucus victories will make Santorum a player at the convention and in the conservative movement going forward; but more than anything else, his bowing out clears the way for the Party to unite around one candidate.
What does this mean for Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul? Who knows on the second one there. As for Newt, I’d expect a speech tomorrow “suspending” his campaign as well. I assumed Santorum would concede before Newt. Honestly, I just thought the decision would have come by the second or third contest – not after the halfway point.
More when we have it…
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UPDATE: Senator Santorum Speaks from Gettysburg.
Santorum opened with an update on the health of his daughter Bella who was released from the hospital Monday night. He then moved to talking about what motivated his decision to enter the race for President and what kept him motivated along the trail – “preserving the American Dream” for our children and future generations of children. He said the last few days have been a time for reflection.
“This was a time for prayer and thought”
He appeared in good spirits – generally speaking – even joking about the “Sweater Vest” and how it became the official attire of the campaign after attending an event with Mike Huckabee where he was “under-dressed” but apparently “gave a pretty good speech.”
A few more highlights…
“We won more counties than everyone else in this campaign combined.”
“I found a deeper love for this country.”
“While this presidential race is over for me, and we will suspend the presidential campaign today, we are not done fighting.”
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It is worth noting. He made no mention of Governor Mitt Romney. Ready the speculation.
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Fox News is reporting that Senator Santorum called Mitt Romney before the press conference to inform him he would be suspending his campaign. The Lonely Conservative also confirms that is also reporting the phone call.
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From Around the Web
RS McCain’s not looking forward to telling his son Jefferson
Erick Erickson “Sick” – It Was Inevitable. Now Bring on President Both Ways
i Own the World says “Like it or not-it’s Romney”
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The million dollar question…
ABC News reacts…
More video… H/T RS McCain
CNN: “Santorum in His Own Words”
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I think it was a very effective speech. I don’t read much into the Romney omission. Old woulds are slow to heal. He will endorse when the time is right.
Tina Korbe is right. Newt’s decision will be race-turning. BTW she has the sunniest Twitter background imaginable.
Tina Korbe and her friends at HotAir are often on the right side of things, yes. I don’t know that Newt’s decision will be “race-turning” but I do think it will be an important step toward uniting the Party. I do, however, think Newt will drag things out a bit purely out of self-indulgence masked in “giving us a conservative candidate.”
And yes, her Twitter background kinda makes me smile. Is that weird?
I’ve made no secret about my personal thoughts on Rick Santorum…
That admitted, my heart goes out to his family. I didn’t want to refer to him as President Santorum, but I’d rather try to convert voters than see him out like this.
Whatever else you’ve thought of this Libertarian Contrarian, know that i wish nothing but the best for his daughter. I’d take him back on the ballot with a smile if I knew it meant that child was well enough.
Scratcher…!! Quite a Sunday morning surprise to see you here. Hope all is well in your world.
I know you are anything but a fan of Senator Santorum, so I certainly appreciate your sympathy for his family. It’s rather unfortunate that the health of his daughter had to play a role in this decision. However, I do think it was becoming little more than a calculation of the best time rather than the inevitable time.
For my part, I warmed to Santorum during the campaign but never so much that I could consider myself a supporter. And since Romney failed and fails to inspire reason for my support, I do believe I will be heading into general election season as a “team player” hoping for the “best?”