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Presidential candidates who have dropped out
DEMOCRATS
Joseph Biden
The long-time senator from Delaware declared his candidacy on Jan. 23, 2007. He dropped out on Jan. 3, 2008 after a dismal showing in the Iowa caucuses.
Christopher Dodd
The senator from Connecticut declared his candidacy on Jan. 11, 2007. He dropped out of the race Jan. 3, 2008, after placing seventh among Democrats in the Iowa caucuses.
John Edwards
The former senator from North Carolina ran a populist campaign aimed at combating poverty and helping the poor, but dropped out Jan. 30 after losing the Florida primary.
Dennis Kucinich
The congressman from Ohio ended his second bid for the White House on Jan. 25, 2008, announcing he planned to focus on his reelection to the House of Representatives.
Bill Richardson
Richardson, the governor of New Mexico and a former ambassador to the United Nations and US Secretary of Energy, announced his candidacy in January 2007. He dropped out Jan. 10, 2008, after fourth place finishes in both Iowa and New Hampshire.
Tom Vilsack
The former governor of Iowa announced his candidacy in November 2006. He dropped out Feb. 23, 2007, after failing to raise enough money to mount a national campaign. A month later he endorsed Hillary Clinton, and serves as one of her national co-chairs.
REPUBLICANS
Sam Brownback
The conservative Kansas senator entered the race in December 2006. He dropped out in October 2007, citing problems raising money. He subsequently endorsed John McCain.
Jim Gilmore
The former governor of Virginia jumped into the race in January 2007, but fund-raising problems forced him to quit six months later.
Rudolph Giuliani
The former mayor of New York City originally topped Republican polls but lost steam quickly and dropped out of the race Jan. 30 to endorse John McCain.
Mike Gravel
Former senator from Alaska who ran a small-scale longshot campaign that included calling for an orderly and immediate withdrawal from Iraq.
Mike Huckabee
Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee's candidacy brought him national exposure. He was a darling of the Republican conservative base, but failed to garner enough delegates to clinch the nomination. Huckabee ended his campaign on March 4, 2008, conceding the nomination to John McCain.
Duncan Hunter
After more than 25 years in office, the California congressman and chairman of the Armed Services Committee announced a run for office on a platform of a strong national defense. After a poor result in the Nevada caucuses, Hunter announced he would exit the race on Jan. 19, 2008.
Mitt Romney
The former governor of Massachusetts won several states, but bowed out Feb. 7 saying he did not want to act as a spoiler that gave Democratic candidates an edge.
Tom Tancredo
The Colorado congressman joined the race in April 2007, and made illegal immigration the main issue of his campaign. On Dec. 20 he dropped out and endorsed Mitt Romney, declaring he didn't want to split the anti-immigration vote and allow a pro-amnesty candidate to win.
Fred Thompson
The former Tennessee senator and television actor announced he was joining the race on Sept. 5, 2007 when he made the official announcement on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. After several poor showings in primaries and caucuses, he dropped out of the race on Jan. 22, 2008.
Tommy Thompson
The former Wisconsin governor and former US Secretary of Health and Human Services entered the race on April 1, 2007. He dropped out on Aug. 12 after finishing sixth in the key Iowa Straw Poll