This was pretty much expected:
Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson is abandoning his presidential bid, his campaign announced Sunday night.
Thompson, who also served in the Bush cabinet, did not meet the expectations he set for himself in the Ames Republican straw poll held Saturday.
“I want to thank the people of Iowa who were welcoming and supportive as well as my volunteers and contributors from around the country,” Thompson said in a written statement.
In his statement, Thompson said he had “no regrets about running.”
“I felt my record as governor of Wisconsin and Secretary of Health and Human Services gave me the experience I needed to serve as president, but I respect the decision of the voters. I am leaving the campaign trail today, but I will not leave the challenges of improving health care and welfare in America,” he said.
The campaign said Thompson would return to the “private sector.”
