ROMNEY ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN BUT TALKS LIKE JOSEPH MCCARTHY

CANADIAN NEWS SERVICE - Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney on Thursday suspended his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, two days after a disappointing showing in Super Tuesday primaries.

Mr. Romney announced his decision to pull out of the race at a major conference of conservative political activists in Washington.

In his speech, Mr. Romney said his decision was based on his fears a divided Republican party would allow the Democrats - either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton - to win in 2008. That, in turn, would lead to "surrender" in Iraq and put America at greater danger from Islamic terrorism.

"This isn't an easy decision. I hate to lose," Mr. Romney said.

"We are a nation at war, and Barack and Hillary have made their intentions clear regarding Iraq and the war on terror. They would retreat, declare defeat, and the consequences of that would be devastating."

The decision removes another obstacle for Senator John McCain in his effort to win the party's nomination. Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is now Mr. McCain's lone challenger in the race.

"If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I'd forestall the launch of a national campaign," Mr. Romney said. "And frankly, I'd be making it easier for Senator Obama or Clinton to win. In this time of war, I cannot simply allow my campaign be a part of making a surrender to terror."