GETTYSBURG, PA., April 10 –Rick Santorum announced that he plans to suspend his presidential campaign, virtually assuring a clear path for front-runner Mitt Romney to secure the GOP nomination.

The former Pennsylvania Senator had beaten the expectations of many political pundits, winning 11 states in the fight for the GOP nomination.

But last week, he lost key primaires in Wisconsin, Maryland and the District of Columbia.  Heading back on the campaign for his home state’s primary, Santorum had canceled campaign appearances over the weekend as his daughter, Bella, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder, was hospitalized.

Surrounded by family during a press conference this afternoon, Santorum spoke in very personal terms about the positive outcomes he achieved throughout his campaign and the people he met on the trail.

“We were winning in a very different way because we were touching hearts, raising issues,” he emphasized. “We were giving a voice to many who were in many cases, voiceless.”

By suspending his campaign today, Santorum can continue to raise money and retire any of his remaining debt.

Texas Rep. Ron Paul and Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich remain in the race, but neither has been able to gain a significant share of GOP delegates.  

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