Perry drops White House bid,backs Gingrich

Texas Governor Rick Perry dropped out of the race for the 2012 Republican US presidential nomination on Thursday after a series of gaffes and controversies undercut the campaign of the one-time frontrunner. He endorsed former rival Newt Gingrich.

Ive always believed the mission is greater than the man. As I have contemplated the future of this campaign,I have come to the conclusion that there is no viable path forward for me in this 2012 campaign, Perry,61,told supporters in South Carolina,where he had hoped to revive his campaign.

Therefore today I am suspending my campaign and endorsing Newt Gingrich for president of the United States, Perry added. I believe Newt is a conservative visionary who can transform our country.