Perry Ends Presidential Campaign, Endorses Gingrich

Texas Gov. Rick Perry announced this morning at a North Charleston, S.C., press conference that he has ended his presidential campaign.

"I have come to the conclusion there is no viable path forward for me in 2012," he said after stressing he brought a "unique perspective" to the campaign as the governor of the Lone Star State who came from humble roots. "I know when its time to make a strategic retreat."

Perry's campaign failed to gain traction after an initial surge after he announced his candidacy in Charleston in August. He suffered from a series of poor debate performances, and gay activists blasted him for equating openly gay and lesbian servicemembers as proof of President Barack Obama's so-called war on religion.

Perry also endorsed former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

"I believe Newt is a visionary conservative who can transform this country," he said.