Mitt Romney quit his bid for the Republican nomination in a speech at the Conservative Political Action this afternoon. Romney was trounced by Sen. John McCain in the 24-state primary on Tuesday after pouring tens of millions of his personal fortune into the race. Romney also secured the support of pundit royalty from Sean Hannity to Ann Coulter to Rush Limbaugh. Talk Radio personality Laura Ingraham, at the CPAC conference as a "footsoldier in the Reagan Revolution" who "knows a Reaganite when she sees one," introduced Mitt Romney to eager crowd, but not before taking jabs at Hillary Clinton and the media.
After outlining his his vision for America and challenges facing the next president of the states, relying heavily on proven conservative applause lines. Romney then told the crowd that, for the sake of party unity, he intends to suspend his presidential campaign.
"If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and frankly I'd be making it easier for Senator Clinton or Obama to win," Romney said. "And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign, be a part of aiding a surrender to terror." The feel of the room immediately changed, the crowd letting out a collective groan at Romney's exit, and Romney, in a moment sheer sincerity said, "You guys are great." A few more moments of well wishes and he was off, handing the nomination to Sen. John McCain.
