The not-that-all-surprising news that Fred Thompson was dropping out of the GOP race broke this afternoon. The move comes after a string of low single-digit finishes in early states capped off by a disappointing third-place in the pivotal South Carolina primary on Saturday. He posted a very simple statement on the campaign website.

Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people.

And so ends a campaign that was once seen as the sure-fire answer to the incessant qualms of conservative Republicans over their presidential field. It says a lot that his star was at its brightest when he had yet to even announce his run. Campaign mismanagement and a candidate that was unmotivated crushed the effort.

Romney made an immediate play for former Fred supporters by issuing this release after the news popped up.

“Throughout this campaign, Fred Thompson brought a laudable focus to the challenges confronting our country and the solutions necessary to meet them. He stood for strong conservative ideas and believed strongly in the need to keep our conservative coalition together. Ann and I would like to extend our best wishes to Fred, Jeri and their family and congratulate them on their efforts during this campaign.”