NEWS FLASH

BREAKING: Tim Pawlenty drops out of the GOP presidential race | Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) announced on a conference call to supporters this morning that he will drop out of the GOP presidential race. After a “disappointing finish” as third in the Ames straw poll, Pawlenty acknowledged “that he had decided overnight that his candidacy could not proceed.” Iowa was a must-win state for Pawlenty, who began his campaign nearly two years ago. Both Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) topped him in the poll.