John Edwards turned to politics after a career as a lawyer

 

Democrat John Edwards is leaving the race for the White House after failing to win any of the party nomination contests held so far, officials say.

His team said the former North Carolina senator had decided not to continue.

 

He lost Iowa's caucuses, came third in New Hampshire, admitted getting his "butt kicked" in Nevada, and came third in his native South Carolina.

 

In the Republican field, ex-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is expected to drop out later and endorse John McCain.

 

The withdrawal of Mr Giuliani, who came a distant third in Tuesday's Florida primary, would leave Arizona Senator Mr McCain facing ex-Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

 

Wife's cancer

 

It is not yet clear if Mr Edwards will endorse either of the two current Democratic front-runners: New York Senator and former First Lady Hillary Clinton or Illinois Senator Barack Obama.

 

Mr Edwards, 54, is expected to publicly announce the end to his second White House bid in New Orleans, where he formally launched his campaign in 2006.

 

His website said he was to make a speech on poverty at a community project at 1300 local time (1900 GMT) on Wednesday.

 

Mr Edwards's wife Elizabeth announced last year that her breast cancer had returned, but an Edwards aide told CNN television his reason for dropping out had nothing to do with her health.

 

The BBC's Vincent Dowd in Washington says if Mr Edwards urges his supporters towards either of the two main Democrat contenders, that could be an important influence in the race.

 

Mr Edwards received 14% of the Democratic vote in Tuesday's Florida primary - although that contest was largely symbolic after a row between the state's Democrats and the party nationally.

 

He also fought for his party's nomination in 2004, losing out to John Kerry, but ran a strong enough second in the race to stand on the vice-presidential ticket.

 

Correspondents say the withdrawl of Mr Edwards and Mr Giuliani would leave their parties down to two realistic candidates each, ahead of Super Tuesday next week, when 24 states hold nominating contests.

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7217838.stm

he's the only democrat i wouldn't support

We Need Reform!

 

I really do like John Edwards, basically because he really does care about the poor in America and elsewhere, and his financing is among the more honest. I got a chance to talk with him in Milwaukee during the 2004 Caucus gathering, and he's really a good person. But, like anything here, politics is driven by the money game, and the big stakes players (who donate to get back) put their money behind those whose influence can be bought. Edward's financing was too clean for them! So, unfortunately, this means the media & ad blitz still sways people heavily, and the money buys exactly that.

I'm backing Barack over Hillary due to the effect money has, as I feel he is the more honest remaining candidate, and I hope Edwards does the same! It's a shame we don't have campaign reform measures that are effective, because Kucinich and Edwards would have come out on top then..