Romney pulls out of race
Mitt Romney has spent millions of dollars of his own money on the campaign
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Thursday, 07, Feb 2008 08:11
Republican candidate Mitt Romney has suspended his campaign to become the party's presidential nominee.
The former Massachusetts governor claimed that he did not want to delay the launch of the Republican national campaign.
In a speech at the annual Conservative Political Action conference today, Mr Romney said: "If I fight on with my campaign, all way to convention, I would forestall the launch of national campaign, making it easier for Senator Clinton or Obama to win.
"In this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be part of aiding a surrender to terror.
"This is not an easy decision, I hate to lose. If this were only about me, I'd go on," he said.
"But it's never been only about me, I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, in the time of war I feel I have to stand aside for our party and for our country."
Analysts claim the Mr Romney's withdrawal has effectively paved the way for John McCain to secure the Republican candidacy.
In the voting so far Mr McCain is considerably ahead of his rivals, capturing 12 states and 707 delegates.
Mr Romney had been in second place with 11 states and some 294 delegates. Mike Huckabee is officially still in the race having claimed 6 states and 195 delegates.