WASHINGTON -- The field of Republican candidates competing against each other to challenge U.S. President Barack Obama for the White House in November is now down to three.
Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum has announced that he is suspending his campaign in order to spend more time with his ailing 3-year-old daughter, Bella, who was hospitalized briefly over the weekend.
Santorum was the most socially conservative candidate in the race and had won wide support in Republican primary contests among evangelical Christians.
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is now considered the inevitable party nominee to run against Obama in the general election.
Two other candidates, Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul, have not officially pulled out of the race but face impossible odds at winning the nomination.
Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum has announced that he is suspending his campaign in order to spend more time with his ailing 3-year-old daughter, Bella, who was hospitalized briefly over the weekend.
Santorum was the most socially conservative candidate in the race and had won wide support in Republican primary contests among evangelical Christians.
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is now considered the inevitable party nominee to run against Obama in the general election.
Two other candidates, Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul, have not officially pulled out of the race but face impossible odds at winning the nomination.
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RFE/RL
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