US Republican candidate Tommy Thompson quits presidential race
13/8/2007 16:37
US Republican candidate Tommy Thompson has ended his White House bid
after Saturday's 6th-place finish in the Iowa straw poll, his campaign said last
night. In the months leading up to the straw poll, Thompson repeatedly said
he'd drop out if he didn't finish first or second. Former Massachusetts Gov.
Mitt Romney won the poll and Thompson only finished 6th. Saying he has "no
regrets," the former Wisconsin Governor thanked his supporters in a message
released by his campaign. "I want to thank the people of Iowa who were
welcoming and supportive as well as my volunteers and contributors from around
the country," Thompson was quoted as saying. "I am leaving the campaign trail
today, but I will not leave the challenges of improving health care and welfare
in America," he added. Thompson, 65, was Wisconsin's longest-serving
governor. He won an unprecedented four terms and then served as the Secretary
of Health and Human Services during US President George W. Bush's first
term. Thompson will return to the private sector as well as his nonprofit
work after a "brief time off," according to his campaign.
Xinhua
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