FIRST ON CNN: Sources: Perry dropping out of GOP race
Charleston, South Carolina (CNN) - Rick Perry is telling supporters that he will drop his bid Thursday for the Republican presidential nomination, two sources familiar with his plans told CNN.
The Texas governor will make the announcement before the CNN debate in South Carolina, the sources said.
Tune in Thursday at 8 p.m. ET for the CNN/Southern Republican Presidential Debate hosted by John King and follow it on Twitter at #CNNDebate. For real-time coverage of the South Carolina primary, go to CNNPolitics.com or to the CNN apps or CNN mobile web site.
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The move comes two days before the South Carolina primary and hours before the final debate ahead of the voting, which will take place on CNN Thursday night.
The campaigns of Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum reached out to the Perry campaign Thursday morning in an "aggressive effort" to get his endorsement, according to a source close to Perry.
Perry will indicate his support for Newt Gingrich but will not explicitly endorse him, a source with knowledge of Perry's decision told CNN.
To follow the latest developments on Perry, follow the Ticker's update here.
Perry placed fifth in Iowa and last in New Hampshire - a state in which he did not actively compete - and had said he would launch a bid to win in South Carolina.
"South Carolinians are looking for a conservative candidate that will get this country back working again and I am it," Perry told CNN last week.
On Wednesday, CNN asked Perry about a poll that showed him with only 6% support among likely voters in the South Carolina primary.
He insisted he was continuing with the effort to have a strong showing in the state.
"We're convinced that that's our goal, so the idea that we're going to do anything else, other than try to impact this election is - that's why we got in it. We didn't get in it because it was our purpose in life to be the president of the United States. We did it because it was our purpose to serve this country, and that's what we've been called for, and that's what we're going to continue doing."
When Perry entered the race in August, he immediately did well in the polls. But a series of gaffes, particularly at debates against his rivals, sent his support plummeting.
On Thursday, his campaign website continued to say "help Rick Perry win South Carolina and get America back on track."
Perry's official campaign Facebook page was filled with posts, largely from disappointed voters.
- CNN's Josh Levs contributed to this report.
Also see:
Polls: South Carolina primary tightening hours before crucial debate
Gingrich as compares Romney's 'desperate' attacks to 2008 campaign
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It's about time. He was never ready for te big leagues.
Could've saved himself some time and money by just quitting after about 3-4 debates. Definitely before "oops."
Please stay in, Rick! The laughs you give me make my day so much brighter!
I seen this coming from a mile away.
I thought he dropped out after Iowa???
Perry is also reportedly pledging 100% support for Ron Paul. Congrats Rick, you're on the right Team !
Oh, come on, Rick, we didn't get to use the Glen Maxey book yet.
What a shame, I was hoping for a Perry/Palin ticket. Just kidding.
He will surely be missed – HA!
he will again focus on being a tyrannical governor and continue administering toxic vaccines to your children
i was going to vote for the gop candidate this year. but unless my man ron paul gets the nod, they have the most pathetic field in history. its so unbelievable that one can only think they dont want to win for some reason. romney is horrible. are we at the point where no one who would be a great leader wants to lead because of the scutiny and the fact they can make tons of money not involving themselves in the cesspool of politics?
smh at this guy...what a failure! 6 months ago, Perry's path to the nomination was the political equivalent of carrying a jar of water from one end of the room to the other w/out dropping it. If he were to make it to the other end with any water left, the nomination was his but unfortunately, this idiot dropped the jar as soon as it was handed to him.
I don't know many people from Texas, but what I do know is that they deserve better.
The most intelligent remark ever from Rick Perry.
Actually, he had already dropped out when he dropped in.
Another one bites the dust..uhg..another one bites the dust!
Obama 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO, please don't drop out. Perry's got the best record running, over a million net jobs created, six balanced budgets in a row, and a reduction of each Texan's share of the debt. Perry's the only one running with a record of success like this, and we're screwed if Romney gets it.
Romney will have this wrapped up in SC. Then it will be rally around the Nominee. Romney / Christie or Rubio ticket comming soon. Shame, Ron Paul will finish a close 2nd. I wish he can win but TPTB will not allow it.
Well, at least this clears the GOP field a bit. The poor guy never had a chance because of his stance on immigration.
Wait till you hear it from the horse's mouth. Don't believe the lying media who is hellbent on picking our nominee. Why would Perry drop out before this weekend?? That makes absolutely no sense at all.
This was a very good candidate on his record and morals. Just couldn't get the GOP establishment endorsement (not his turn) or tackle a polished approach to debating. Not even the liberal media had a chance to destroy him, so maybe it is a blessing in disguise. I will give him credit for being himself and not using canned speeches or teleprompters like the current occupier in charge. Good luck Perry with your future endeavors.
Support Mitt Romney.
And then there were 4. Only going to be Romney and Paul in the end.
Don't let the door . . .
A little late, as usual. Not the brightest crayon in the box but the right call.
Oops. I can't remember that name of the candidate who just dropped off. Ron Paul? I.. I can't. Sorry. Oops. He was a strong candidate for showing up until the debate... then it all went downhill.