Santorum quits White House race clearing path for Romney

Washington, Apr 11 (ANI): US Republican Presidential candidate Rick Santorum has decided to quit the White House race, clearing the way for former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney to challenge Barack Obama in November's election.

Santorum said he had agreed with his family to end an unlikely campaign for the White House that began 'around the kitchen table'.

"While this presidential race is over for me, we are not done fighting," The Telegraph quoted Santorum him, as saying.

"We are going to continue to fight for those Americans who stood up and gave us air under our wings," he added.

According to the paper, Romney said Santorum was an 'able and worthy competitor' who had 'proven himself to be an important voice in our party and in the nation'.

"I congratulate him on the campaign he ran," he added.

It became clear in recent weeks that Romney's lead in delegates to the party convention was practically insurmountable, but Santorum earlier vowed to fight on until August's gathering in Florida.

Meanwhile, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas congressman Ron Paul pledged to remain in the race until the convention. (ANI)