The actor-politician leaves a Republican race that is wide open
Former US Senator Fred Thompson has withdrawn from the Republican presidential race, after a string of poor finishes in early voting rounds.
"I have withdrawn my candidacy... I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort," he said in a short statement.
It follows his third place result in Saturday's South Carolina primary - a state he had said he needed to win.
Mr Thompson did not say whether he would endorse any of his former rivals.
He ended his statement by saying that he and his wife, Jeri, would "always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people".
The actor-politician entered the race in September, months after his rivals had started campaigning.
He leaves the Republican race wide open.
Three candidates have each having won in the six states that have voted.
Subject: fred thompson quits republican race 