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Adviser says Bachmann out of race; Romney on to NH

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January 4th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An adviser says last-place Iowa caucus finisher Michelle Bachmann is ending her presidential campaign. That leaves her supporters up for grabs as Rick Santorum tries to establish himself as the conservative heavyweight in the Republican race. Santorum’s near-tie with caucus winner Mitt Romney topped a rise from deep in the polls to contender for the presidential nomination. Like Bachmann, Texas Gov. Rick Perry took a blow in the caucuses — finishing fifth — and he was flying home to decide whether to stay in the race.

Meanwhile, a smiling Romney jetted off to New Hampshire, telling reporters that landslides are terrific but he’d settle for his eight-vote margin of victory. The Bachmann adviser spoke on condition of anonymity before her expected announcement Wednesday morning.