ROMNEY TO PACK HIS BAGS - it's over

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

TRENDING: Palin endorses (Todd, that is)

(CNN) – Newt Gingrich announced Monday he received the backing of Todd Palin, husband of former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

At an early afternoon Rotary Club meeting in Nashua, New Hampshire, Gingrich said he just learned of the developments.

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"About 20 minutes ago I got a very nice phone call from Todd Palin, Sarah's husband, and he indicated he was going to endorse me today," Gingrich said.

The 2012 GOP hopeful later sent out a message on his Twitter account, saying, "Honored to be endorsed by Todd Palin. President Obama has failed. We need a Bold Reagan Conservative in the WH."

Gingrich's message linked to an article on the website of ABC News, which first reported Todd Palin's endorsement.

In a statement released by Gingrich's campaign, Palin touted the candidate's leadership skills.

"Newt Gingrich is a true leader, which he has proven not only since the beginning of his campaign, but throughout his career," Palin wrote. "Just like Sarah, Newt has faced many successes and challenges. Despite his consultants leaving him last summer, Newt is still standing because of his ideas and his success in the debates – not by spending millions of dollars in campaign ads."

Todd Palin, often referred to as the "First Dude" by his wife when she was serving as Alaska's governor, has long served as one of Sarah Palin's closest political advisers.

Sarah Palin has yet to publicly endorse a candidate.

[Pooky 3,784]

So, Newt is truly finished then. Good.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

So, Newt is truly finished then. Good.

Are you suggesting that the Palin name has not only lost it's pull in the GOP but actually damages Republicans it supports? Are there no 'real American' Republicans left? This country is done if 'real Americans' are not respected anymore. This is a tragedy. I think I see the sky falling.

[luckytxn 2,264]

I think Romney could have given Palin a better deal and better chance of being able to collect.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Oh thank God you got back to reporting on the Palin's. Thank you, thank you!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I think Romney could have given Palin a better deal and better chance of being able to collect.

Sarah is still holding out until even she figured out who'll win it - she'll endorse when Mitt is on his way to the stage to give his acceptance speech at the GOP convention in Tampa. Well, she might end up endorsing a candidate that has by then long since dropped out. She's not keeping up on those news, you know. Be that as it may, I bet you Todd isn't getting any for awhile for lining up behind The Newt today.

Oh thank God you got back to reporting on the Palin's. Thank you, thank you!

Sarah is what kept the GOP alive and breathing 4 years ago. Already forgotten?

[luckytxn 2,264]

Sarah is still holding out until even she figured out who'll win it - she'll endorse when Mitt is on his way to the stage to give his acceptance speech at the GOP convention in Tampa. Well, she might end up endorsing a candidate that has by then long since dropped out. She's not keeping up on those news, you know. Be that as it may, I bet you Todd isn't getting any for awhile for lining up behind The Newt today.

Sarah is what kept the GOP alive and breathing 4 years ago. Already forgotten?

Bull. It was a strategic decision. Tod got a promise to do so now. Even he should see the folly for Sarah to endorse any candidate until after at least South Carolina. Romney is the leader now and if he can get a southern state foothold win then he will be almost unbeatable. I am sure the south is very leery of Romney though but will vote for him since he is a RINO but that Mormon thing is a tough obstacle to overcome. They like their RINO's to be Christian.

Sarah will get a offer of some kind. Not as Vice President as only McCain was that stupid but she will get something.