Bachmann quits

Michele Bachmann has ended her presidential bid for 2012. An adviser announced her decision on Wednesday morning and the Minnesota representative has already cancelled her campaign trip to South Carolina. 

DES MOINES, IO (Catholic Online) - The decision comes on the heels of a dismal performance in the Iowa caucuses on Tuesday.

Bachmann finished a distant sixth in the caucuses well behind the frontrunners, Romney and Santorum. Bachmann secured only 5 percent of the vote and even lost in Waterloo, the Iowa town where she was born. 

Last year, Bachmann settled on a strong Iowa strategy, concentrating resources and attention there. Her campaign manager, Keith Nahigian said that Iowa was a "must win" state. 

As of early Wednesday morning, there was still some discussion if she would stay or go following the results of the caucuses. Despite the weak showing on Tuesday evening, Bachmann appeared willing to stay in the race and suggested that she could easily beat President Obama in the general election during a speech she gave Tuesday. 

But early in the morning, word leaked that Bachmann was considering whether or not she should continue. Those close to her suggested she was strongly considering exiting the race. That decision has now been confirmed. 

Bachmann leaves behind a race that has seen nearly every one of the candidates enjoy some time as a potential frontrunner. Despite the frequent changes in popularity for the different candidates, Mitt Romeny is emerging as a narrow leader, remaining most consistent throughout the race. Meanwhile, upcoming races in New Hampshire and South Carolina may change things as Newt Gingrich has made strong efforts in those states. 

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum made a surprising showing during the Iowa Caucuses, virtually tying with Mitt Romney. However, Santorum is not expected to do as well in other states since he does not have as many resources at his disposal as he had in Iowa. 

Texas Governor Rick Perry has also returned home to rethink his bid, but no announcements have been made. 

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