Breaking: Romney Says He’s Out

Thu, February 07, 2008 - 12:56 PM

Mitt Romney officially brought his campaign to an end a few seconds ago.

"This isn't an easy decision. I hate to lose," he said in a speech to CPAC, a group of influential conservatives in Washington a few minutes ago.

If the assembled crowd had the power to pick the GOP nominee, it's pretty clear that that Romney would be the one looking ahead to November, not headed home. Romney, looking happier and more animated than he has in weeks on the stump, said that if he "fights on" he would "forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it easier for Sen. Clinton or Sen. Obama to win."

"If it were only about me, I'd go on," he said. He left the stage to big cheers. Does anyone think this is the last we'll see of Romney on the national stage? If McCain loses in 2008, do you think Romney will try another run at the White House?

--Sean Mussenden