Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry Drops Out Of Republican 2016 Race

FILE - In this April 25, 2015 file photo, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks in Waukee, Iowa. It’s time for Republican presidential contenders to “Roast and Ride,” a new twist in Iowa’s down-home presidenti... FILE - In this April 25, 2015 file photo, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks in Waukee, Iowa. It’s time for Republican presidential contenders to “Roast and Ride,” a new twist in Iowa’s down-home presidential politicking. A weekend gathering by freshman Sen. Joni Ernst features a pig roast, speeches from seven 2016 hopefuls and a motorcycle ride that promises to get at least a few of them on wheels. It’s a prime political event for Republicans in a state known for a straw poll that is declining in relevance and for an annual steak fry for Democrats that had its last hurrah last year. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File) MORE LESS
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Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry dropped out of the GOP presidential nominiation race Friday, AP reported.

In a statement sent to reporters by the campaign, Perry said he leaves the race with “no regrets.”

He announced his decision in a speech to the Eagle Forum in St. Louis, where he expressed his belief in conservative principals as well as in his Christian faith.

“That is why today I am suspending my campaign for the presidency of the United States,” Perry said. “We have a tremendous field of candidates – probably the greatest group of men and women – I step aside knowing our party is in good hands.”

In the remarks, Perry had plenty of criticism for President Obama, who he called a “divider who has sliced and diced the electorate.”

But he also had some comments geared towards the other GOP candidates, and specifically, it appeared, towards Donald Trump, who Perry slammed while on the trail.

We cannot indulge nativist appeals that divide the nation further,” Perry said, later adding “Demeaning people of Hispanic heritage is not just ignorant, it betrays the example of Christ.”

Correction: This story has been corrected to show that Perry was speaking in St. Louis, Missouri.

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