Rick Perry Drops Out of Presidential Race, Backs Gingrich [Video]

Texas governor Rick Perry has formally dropped out of the Republican primary and ended his bid to take on Barack Obama for the Presidency. Perry announced that he is throwing his support behind former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

In an announcement made from South Carolina, Perry said that he had felt a special calling to run for President, but he acknowledged that he also knew when it was time to quit.

In endorsing Gingrich Perry said the following statement,

“Newt is not perfect, but who among us is? The fact is there is forgiveness for those who seek God. And I believe in the power of redemption,” Perry said. “I have no question that Newt Gingrich has the heart of a conservative reformer, the ability to rally and captivate the conservative movement.”

Perry had surged to the head of the polls when he first announced hi candidacy in August but he stumbled shortly afterwards and then came the debates. Perry struggled mightily to show his supporters that he was able to challenge Obama in 2012. The Republican base knew that another poorly spoken governor of Texas would be no match for the eloquent speaking style of the President.

Perry, Gingrich and ex-Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum have been fighting it out for the hearts of the Conservative movement. Front Runner Mitt Romney has significant support throughout the country but has failed to convince a lot of Republican that he is significantly conservative enough.

Gingrich has been slowly gaining steam on Romney, even leading in some polls. It will be interesting to see if he can catch Romney.

Watch the video of Texas Governor Rick Perry saying goodbye.