Rick Santorum Suspends His Presidential Campaign

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum has effectively ended his race for the White House.

Tuesday, Santorum canceled two campaign stops in his home state of Pennsylvania, and instead scheduled a news conference in the town of Gettysburg. He adjusted his schedule after his 3-year-old daughter, Isabella, was released from the hospital Monday night. She suffers from a genetic disorder.

During the race for the Republican nomination, Santorum has gained support but not enough to unseat frontrunner Mitt Romney. Political analysts say his inability to decisively beat Romney, along with the ongoing health issues of his young daughter, have convinced Santorum to back out of the race.

Insiders say Santorum called Romney Tuesday afternoon to inform him of his decision. Analysts say the move could also convince Republican Newt Gingrich to end his bid for the White House.

Santorum's decision sets the stage for the general election in November between President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney.

3/6/2012 Related Story: Santorum Wins Oklahoma In Super Tuesday Primary

3/4/2012 Related Story: Santorum Stops In OKC Days Before Primary Election