Rick Perry says he's out of GOP race, will back Gingrich

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) Texas Gov. Rick Perry is abandoning his presidential bid and endorsing Newt Gingrich.

That's according to Republican officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting the Republican presidential candidate's announcement.

Perry plans a news conference at 11 a.m. in South Carolina, where he will announce his decision.

He has faced calls to drop out of the race in recent days as polls show him languishing while Gingrich gains steam.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Photo courtesy of Reuters photos

http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/1/245092