Not that he had much of a chance, but former New York Governor George Pataki has thrown in the towel ahead of the Iowa caucuses in February.

"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 declared. "Someone who will bring us together and who understands that politicians, including the president, must be the people's servant and not their master."

Thus ends another bid by a "mainstream" Republican for the nomination. He was the only Republican running who believes in man-made cliimate change, which doomed him from the start. That, and an utter lack of name recognition.