National Review calls on Gingrich to bow out of presidential race

The National Review is calling on Newt Gingrich to drop out of the Republican presidential race, arguing the former House Speaker should clear the way for Rick Santorum to seize the mantle as the Anti-Romney choice for conservatives.

"It is not clear whether Gingrich remains in the race because he still believes he could become president next year or because he wants to avenge his wounded pride: an ambiguity that suggests the problem with him as a leader. When he led Santorum in the polls, he urged the Pennsylvanian to leave the race. On his own arguments the proper course for him now is to endorse Santorum and exit," the editors of the influential conservative online magazine wrote in an op-ed posted Monday.

The editorial is the latest blow to Gingrich's campaign, reeling after a series of tough losses following his surprise win in South Carolina. Santorum's trio of victories in Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado have elevated him above Gingrich as Mitt Romney's main competition, while Gingrich's financial woes have thrown the long-term viability of his campaign into some doubt.

The National Review's editorial will likely amplify suggestions that Gingrich exit the field to allow conservatives to coalesce around Santorum.

"Santorum has won more contests than Gingrich (who has won only one), has more delegates, and leads him in the polls. In at least one poll, he also leads Romney," the editors wrote.

Still, Gingrich's campaign will likely point to the fact that the National Review has never been a fan of his candidacy, writing in December of last year that a Gingrich nomination could deal a "blow" to Republican chances to win back the White House.

"Gingrich himself has never run for a statewide office, let alone a national one, and has not run for anything since 1998. That year he was kicked out by his colleagues, the most conservative ones especially, who had lost confidence in him. During his time as Speaker, he was one of the most unpopular figures in public life," the editors wrote then.

The call for Gingrich to exit the race could also play into the former Speaker's narrative about media persecution, which earned him favor at Republican debates and was partially responsible for his surprise win in South Carolina.

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