Richardson Out, Romney Cuts Back On Ads

by: Chris Bowers

Wed Jan 09, 2008 at 22:00

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson ended his campaign for the presidency today after twin fourth-place finishes that showed his impressive credentials could not compete with his rivals' star power.

Richardson planned to announce the decision Thursday, according to two people close to the governor with knowledge of the decision.

They spoke on a condition of anonymity in advance of the governor's announcement.

I know Richardson started losing support online about six months ago, but I still greatly appreciate his contribution to the campaign on Iraq. Well done, Governor.

Also, Mitt Romney is throwing it all at Michigan:

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has decided to pull his advertising from South Carolina and Florida, in a sign of trouble for a campaign that badly needs a win.

Romney had been hoping to challenge John McCain and Mike Huckabee in South Carolina, and Rudy Giuliani in Florida, where the former New York mayor has been spending time and money.

"We feel the best strategy is to focus our paid messaging in Michigan," Romney spokesman Kevin Madden said Wednesday.

Without Michigan, Romney is done. Here is to hoping that he can avoid a knockout blow, and keep the Republican picture muddled for as long as possible.