Republican Fred Thompson quits Presidential race

Former US Senator, Fred Thompson has withdrawn from the Republican presidential race.



In a statement today, Mr. Thompson said he hopes the country and his party have benefited from his efforts.



Mr. Thompson’s decision follows his third place result in South Carolina on Saturday, a state he had said he needed to win.



Mr. Thompson did not say if he would be endorsing any of his former rivals.



He entered the presidential race in September several months after his rivals had started their campaign.