Feb 07 2008

Romney to drop out? Yep, Romney’s out. Brilliant move given his options. Video added.

Posted by Neocon in 2008 Race, Conservatism, Republicans

Drudge is going red on Romney, linking to this. It would be almost impossible for him to get the nomination now, so it makes sense. Although suspending now would limit his power at the convention. Let’s see what happens.

(CNN) — Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will suspend his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, GOP sources tell CNN.
art.romney.gi.jpgFormer Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is expected to suspend his campaign Thursday, sources say.

A candidate may “suspend” his or her campaign rather than dropping out, and technically remain a candidate. In this case, he or she is entitled to keep any statewide pledged delegates as well as their district-level delegates.

Given Romney’s business background, it could be possible he’s realized what his sunk costs are, and that continuing the campaign is a fruitless expenditure.

Update: Over at Hot Air they’ve got breaking details.

Update 12:25PM CST: Romney took the very high road and said he’s getting out for the War effort. Seems like a pretty smart line to me. It’s also the reason so many of us who don’t like McCain will vote for him. Romney sets himself up for either the VP (if McCain would give it) or a 2012 run. I was impressed. Looking for a copy of his speech now…

Inside Charm City says Romney will be endorsing McCain tonight.

Michelle is liveblogging CPAC. Now she’s got a thread for the Romney dropout.

Update 12:45PM CST: Video from Hot Air added.

Link: sevenload.com
I’m also excited to see if this will now force Huckabee to actually campaign against McCain, or if he’ll fold too. If he keeps it up, it might endanger his previous suckupery. Anything that lessens the chances of Huckster being on the ticket is good for me.2012, told ya.

Making the dramatic announcement at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference at a Washington hotel, Romney clearly hoped to preserve the goodwill of his party for another possible bid in 2012. He intends to run again in four years, according to a senior member of his inner circle.

“He should be president. 2012,” the confidant e-mailed after talking to Romney.

“If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win,” he said.

“And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding a surrender to terror.”

Josh Romney, one of the governor’s five sons, said his dad sounded upbeat and strong when he called family members last night to tell them of the decision.

“He felt that he still had a shot at winning the nomination,” Josh Romney said. “But for the good of the party and the nation, he didn’t want to have a long, drawn-out battle.”

Jawa Report is pondering McCain/Romney. I wouldn’t be against it; I just don’t know if McCain would do it.

Update 1:42PM CST: More reaction as it rolls in.

Feel free to pass this one around so anyone from the McCain camp that stumbles across your blog knows how you feel. They’ll certainly know how I do.

Conservative Outpost agrees that Romney is exploring how he can build a political foundation for 2012 or a PAC.

Ace of Spades is worried about VP Huckster. Me too. Let’s see what sort of parodies can come out to dissuade Straight Talk from naming the mouth from the Baptist South his choice.

JustOneMinute thinks it spells victory for Huck.

Sister Toldjah realizes McCain is the official nominee now.

Gateway Pundit agrees it was a brilliant speech. Right on, right on.

QandO “… reminds me of those announcements you see on restaurant signs saying “closed for remodeling” when in fact, the place is out of business.”

Atlas Shrugs “… this man should have been the candidate.”

Mitt Romney 2008, RIP. | Redstate “This is not the end for Mitt Romney.”

I Welcome Our McCainiac Overlords (consider this your open thread to vent. Put it all here and then be done with it) | Redstate

FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog was calling for this.

Check back for Huckster parodies later today or tomorrow morning! (Plus updates as needed)

Update 3:31PM CST: More reaction comes in.

Mitt Romney, Leader for the Conservative Future – The Corner on NRO

Power Line: Romney’s exit speech