Jon Huntsman Drops Out Of Presidential Race

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman has dropped out of the race for the Republican presidential and will endorse Mitt Romney instead.

At a press conference flanked by family and supporters he said the common goal was to restore "bold and principled leadership to the White House."

He said the race had "degenerated into an onslaught of negative and personal attacks not worthy of the American people and not worthy of this critical time in our nation's history."

"Today I call on each campaign to cease attacking each other and instead talk directly to the American people about how our conservative ideas will create jobs, reduce our nations debt, stabilize energy prices and provide a brighter future for our children and grandchildren."

Mr Huntsman said he entered the race with the "longest of long shots" and is suspending his campaign for the presidency.

"I believe it is now time for our party to unite around the candidate best equipped to defeat Barack Obama. Despite our differences and the space between us on some of the issues, I believe that candidate is Governor Mitt Romney."

Mr Huntsman had disappointing finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire, the latter contest on which he staked his campaign. After finishing third in the Granite State, however, initially Huntsman vowed to fight on into at least the South Carolina primary.

(C) Newsroom America 2012