Perry says he's dropping out of presidential race

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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. -

Republican Rick Perry says he's dropping out of the GOP presidential race and endorsing Newt

Gingrich.

The Texas governor announced his decision Thursday at a news conference in South Carolina, two days before the state's primary.

Perry said he concluded there was no "viable path forward" for him in the race. He praised Gingrich as a "conservative visionary."

KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Perry says he's dropping out of presidential race