Pataki Exits, field drops to 12, Trump leads by 17

Former New York Gov. Pataki exits GOP race.

Former New York Governor George Pataki has dropped out of the Republican presidential race, announcing the suspension of his campaign late Tuesday.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Former governor of New York, George Pataki, has dropped out of the race to become the Republican nominee for president. Pataki never managed to gain even 1 percent support in polls.

"While tonight is the end of my journey for the White House as I suspend my campaign for president, I am confident we can elect the right person." Pataki said in his announcement.  "Someone who will bring us together and who understands that politicians including the president must be the people's servant and not their master. I know the best of America is still ahead of us."

Pataki was the governor of New York at the time of the September 11 attacks, and as a result has had to deal with a massive crisis, boosting his leadership credentials. However, in a race dominated by media icons such as Donald trump and political dynasties, such as Bush, Pataki stood little chance of gaining enough attention to be fairly considered by voters. He was consistently regulated to the jayvee GOP debates on television.

Pataki did suggest what he was looking for in our next president, "If we're truly going to make America great again, we need to elect a president who will do three things: Confront and defeat radical Islam, shrink the size of Washington, and unite us again in our belief in this great country."

Pataki's exit reduces the Republican field to just 12 contenders. Other jayvee contenders, such as former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA), have excellent messages, but still can't get the media to carry their message to voters, effectively stymying their campaigns.

At this moment, Trump leads the Republican field with a 17 point advantage over his nearest contender, Ted Cruz.