Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty dropped out of the race for the GOP presidential nomination on Sunday, after what he called a “disappointing” third-place finish in the Iowa Straw Poll Saturday, ABC News reports.
“We needed to get some lift to continue on and have a pathway forward,” Pawlenty said this morning in an exclusive interview on “This Week.” “That didn’t happen, so I’m announcing this morning on your show that I’m going to be ending my campaign for president”
He didn’t immediately endorse a candidate.
As Tim Pawlenty exited the presidential race, his former rivals sought to position themselves in the rapidly shifting Republican field.
Michele Bachmann was quick to praise him, perhaps mindful of the need to broaden her appeal and reach his backers, who span the ideological spectrum.
“I wish him well,” Bachmann said. “He brought a really important voice into the race and I am grateful that he was in. He was really a very good competitor.”,