Word that Gov. Rick Perry is bowing out of the GOP presidential primary will soon be confirmed by the man himself. Perry's team called a press conference in South Carolina for 10am Central Standard Time this morning, where he should confirm what aides told The Texas Tribune this morning: That Perry "is pulling out."
We'll be liveblogging the announcement from the KUT Newsroom in Austin, and via Ben Philpott's tweets on the ground in South Carolina.Ben Philpott, 10:32am: Press corps writing up "Perry drops out" stories. http://t.co/Z6BDGdBC
10:22am: After promising he's not "done fighting," Perry concludes his speech.
Ben Philpott, 10:20am: No supporters in the room. Just campaign staff and press. #RickPerry
Ben Philpott, 10:20am: Now he's on to campaign staff and supporter thank you notes
10:19am Perry: "The road we're traveling today -- President Obama's road -- is a very dangerous one." Calls for flat 20% tax, streamlined government.
Ben Philpott, 10:18am: Perry says he's heading home to wind down campaign. And says he's heading home with "love of his life" thanks Anita Perry for all her work
Ben Philpott, 10:16am: "there is no viable path forward" Perry drops out and endorses Newt Gingrich. "Newt is not perfect...but who among us is." #RickPerry
Ben Philpott, 10:15am: Perry listing the reasons he got into the race. Talking about Paint Creek..mentioning his time in the Air Force.
Ben Philpott, 10:13am: "this campaign has never been about the candidate. It's because I love this country." #RickPerry
10:11am: The press conference is underway.
Ben Philpott, 10:09am: KUT has live coverage of Perry press conference on the air now. We'll have analysis from TX Tribune's Evan Smith and me after the presser.
Ben Philpott, 9:59 am: Getting ready for what's expected to be Gov. Perry dropping out of the GOP presidential race. #RickPerry http://pic.twitter.com/PC9cvMMq
