Newt Gingrich drops out the presidential race

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two advisers to Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich say he will formally end his campaign next Tuesday and will likely endorse Mitt Romney.

Gingrich had pinned his hopes on a surprise showing in Delaware but fell short.

He had been hinting in recent days that his campaign was nearing an end. His decision to officially shut down the effort comes as Romney has a lock on the GOP nomination.

Gingrich said today that he expects Romney will be the GOP nominee, and he called on the party to unite behind the former Massachusetts governor.