Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich on Wednesday formally ended his bid for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, closing a longshot bid for the presidency that once seemed on the cusp of success.
In his 26-minute speech in Arlington, Va., Gingrich did not endorse former Massachusetts Governor and Mitt Romney, despite the fact that Romney is now the presumptive GOP presidential nominee.
While announcing his campaign's end, Gingrich said he planned to continue fighting for conservative causes, specifically citing education, immigration, energy policy, the repeal of the 2010 health care reform law and welfare reform.
"Today I'm suspending the campaign," Gingrich said. "But I am not suspending my citizenship."
Gingrich slugged it out with several other contenders for the GOP nomination title, and at one point appeared to have momentum after winning the South Carolina Republican primary - he thanked the Palmetto State voters by name on Wednesday. Also by name, he thanked former candidates Herman Cain and Texas Governor Rick Perry.
The former House speaker and Washington lobbyist brought extensive legislative experience to the race, including a deep congressional resume and sharp debating skills. But he also brought considerable personal baggage, including failed marriages, an affair and strong disapproval ratings. Those combined to torpedo any excitement he was able to ignite among voters, who were considering Gingrich next to Romney, Perry and Santorum.
Gingrich's exit from the race leaves Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) as the only remaining candidate standing in the way of Romney's clear path to the GOP presidential nomination. Romney has an unsurpassable lead in delegates even though he still needs several hundred to automatically clinch the nomination.
Romney was mentioned only once toward the end of Gingrich's farewell speech.
"I'm sometimes asked whether Mitt Romney is conservative enough, and my answer is simple: 'Compared to Barack Obama?'" Gingrich said. "This is a choice between Mitt Romney and the most radical, leftist president we've ever had."
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