Republican Sen. Sam Brownback, the Kansas conservative who struggled to raise money and gain recognition in the 2008 presidential campaign, will drop out on Friday, people close to him said Thursday.
Money was a main reason for his decision, said one person close to Brownback who requested anonymity because the candidate had not yet announced his plans. Brownback is expected to announce his withdrawal in Topeka, Kan.
...
As recently as last week, Brownback indicated he would keep campaigning through Iowa's first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses in January, saying he would exit the race if he finished worse than fourth there.
But his fundraising has sagged. Reports released Monday showed that of the nine Republican candidates who filed reports, Brownback was seventh in fundraising from July through September and had a mere $94,000 cash on hand, less than any of his rivals. Brownback raised nearly $4 million overall and was eligible for $2 million in federal matching funds.
...
http://news.yahoo.com/...
(More on the flip.)
It was really just a matter of time for this one. I think most of his support will probably fall to Huckabee, although he might blunt that with an endorsement of McCain. I'd be surprised if anyone else got his endorsement.
Huckabee has been a slowly growing force, and I wonder if this will help him in the GOP primaries? I think out of all of them, Huckabee is the one who would have the best shot at winning. Too much baggage for most of the rest of them.
The Ron Paul candidacy is something interesting, too. He is raising enough money, the question is, will he use it on tough ads against his opponents? I seriously doubt there's any room for an anti-war candidate in the GOP, but as a gadfly, he has the potential to shake things up a bit.
On our side, I wonder when Gravel will drop?