And now, there is one. It is being reported that Rick Santorum has just quit the presidential race

Shortly after the 11 o'clock (am) hour,  this morning,  Rick Santorum made the announcement that he had decided to withdraw from the GOP primary race.  In so doing,  he avoids a potentially embarrassing defeat in his home state,  Pennsylvania,  a week from today.  In fact,  he may be able to leverage his new found popularity for political success at some point in the future, precisely because he has avoided this potential embarrassment.    Good for Rick and good for the GOP.  Understand that this pundit (that would be me) was not a fan of Santorum,  but would have given his full support had Santorum's candidacy been successful.  I hasten to add that none of the final four were folks that I would have chosen.

Top of the list for Midknight Review were Sarah Palin, Marco Rubio and Paul Ryan,  and,  not in any particular order.

The benefit resulting from Santorum's decision,  this morning,  is the fact that the GOP can begin,  immediately,  to deal with  Democrat efforts at defining the GOP in terms of its own perverted point of view.  Obama had hoped to have had three more months to define the GOP as he saw fit.

Because of Santorum and Gingrich's dogged attacks on Mitt Romney,  most if us on the Right  believe he is has been made a stronger candidate than before this primary season.

I trust that Romney will not be lead off track,  dealing with issues that are to the favor of Obama.  Understand that the Right believes the only issue in this campaign cycle is Barack Hussein Obama.

The simple and obvious fact that Obama is running from his own record,  and making record time in this mid-life dash from himself, is reason enough to believe that, even, he knows,  that this election will be a referendum on his presidency.   I think the election season will be humorous, at points,   as we listen to Obama debate Obama and make list after of list of his missteps and failures.

Update:  Santorum makes the announcement at 2:22 et.  He began by announcing the recovery of his child,  Bella,  who has been released from the hospital after dealing with pneumonia in both lungs.

Santorum reviewed his family story as relates to entering the GOP campaign; made remarks about those who supported him and those who have become new partners.  His comments were gracious and emotional.  We could see the deep disappointment on his wife's face,  but "smiles around," nonetheless.  The place he holds for God was/is most rewarding.

He did not mention Romney by name,  but the word is that Santorum talked to Romney on the phone,  prior to today's announcement.

Sarah Palin has "retreated" twice (forced out as governor and,  again,  as a potential GOP candidate) but has remained in the center of the effort to drive forward the hopes and patriotism of the conservative union.  Will Rick and Newt fight on in the shadow of that wonderful example? The next six months will give us our answer.