Republican hopeful pulls out of presidential race

US Presidential hopeful, Jon Huntsman, has abandoned his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination.

After announcing his pull-out, the former US ambassador to China endorsed Mitt Romney as the man "best equipped to defeat Barack Obama." The former Utah governor announced his decision in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the site of the next Republican Primary.

Republican presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman departs the stage after announcing the
suspension of his 2012 presidential bid in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, January 16,
2012.

Huntsman said: "I believe it is now time for our party to unite around the candidate best equipped to defeat Barack Obama. Despite our differences and the space between us on some of the issues, I believe that candidate is Governor Mitt Romney."

Republican presidential candidate, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, accompanied by his
wife Mary Kaye Huntsman, announces he is ending his campaign, Monday, Jan. 16, 2012,
in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Republican presidential candidate, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, announces he is
ending his campaign, Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Republican presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman announces the suspension of his 2012
presidential bid in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, January 16, 2012.

Republican presidential candidate, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, leaves the stage
with his wife Mary Kaye Huntsman and his family after he announced he is ending his
campaign, Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

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