Former New York Governor George Pataki
has ended his campaign to become the Republican nominee for
president.
The Boston Globe's James Pindell
first reported the news on Twitter.
“Scoop: @GovernorPataki is calling
his NH supporters this afternoon telling him he will drop his bid for
president #fitn.”
Pataki confirmed the move in a tweet:
“While tonight I suspend my campaign for president, I am confident
we can elect the right person.”
He expanded that thought in a video
released on YouTube.
“While tonight is the end of my
journey for the White House, as I suspend my campaign for president,
I'm confident we can elect the right person, someone who will bring
us together. And who understands that politicians, including the
president, must the peoples' servant and not their master. I know
the best of America is still ahead of us,” Pataki said.
Pataki, who signed a gay protections
bill as governor, has previously said that the issue of marriage
should be decided by the states. His personal position on marriage
equality remains unclear.
Twelve Republican candidates remain in
the race.