Perry admitted, “I know when it’s time to make a strategic defeat”.

Speculation on the cause of Perry’s demise span from his poor poll numbers recently to a number of memorable gaffes. After all, what other candidate has threatened to secede from the union, attempted to make the HPV vaccine mandatory (after receiving $30,000 in endorsements from the company that produces it), and forgotten the name of the third federal agency he would have eliminated had he been elected? (Not to mention this cherished ad we previously covered).

Yes, Rick will be missed. But probably not by Mr. Gingrich, who stands to gain from Rick’s endorsement following his departure. And Mr. Gingrich could use the boost, as the most recent Gallup poll still shows Mr. Romney leading the pack with 33% of voters and Mr. Gingrich trailing at 17%. With four candidates left in the race, who will drop next? Our money’s on Santorum.