11 FEB 08 / "Class Act"

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney dropped out of the presidential race on Wednesday. He made his announcement in the middle of a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, DC.

Some conservatives believe that he had campaigned in the manner in which he gave the speech, his candidacy would still be alive. But Romney supporters know that he performed admirably throughout the campaign. There is little doubt, however, that the manner in which he departed the race left conservatives wanting more. Romney is expected to consider anoth presidential bid in 2012.

Romney spoke highly of McCain's national security credentials, his understanding of the terrorist threat, and his steadfastness

Huckabee's upset win in the Iowa caucus dealt the Romney campaign a blow from which it could never really recover.

The polls leading into the weekend before the Florida primary showed Romney with a slight advantage over McCain, but then the Arizona senator was endorsed by the Florida governor.

McCain's flip flop allegations also had an adverse effect on Romney. But now conservatives are beginning to realize that it was an achievement for Romney to be elected governor from the bluest of the blue states and govern as a conservative. McCain, on the other hand, hails from a more conservative state; but has a moderate voting record in the Senate, especially over the past seven years.

Romney ran an energetic, issue-oriented campaign that stressed adhering to the fundamental values that founded the Republic. His speech at CPAC was well-received by conservatives. He gave major policy addresses before the primaries such as the ones on national security and religion at Texas A&M.

McCain has an uphill battle to the White House, as Democrats are highly favored to win the presidency and expand their control of Congress.