Campaign 2012

Rick Perry's unusual endorsement of open marriage Newt Gingrich: "Not perfect,but who among us is"

Photo via Blog.Reuters.com
Newt Gingrich
Photo by Gage Skidmore
Rick Perry, right, with son Griffin Perry

After a flurry of earlier news reports removed any suspense, Rick Perry made it official on Thursday morning, announcing that he would drop out of the race for the Republican nomination for president.

Perry had no sooner uttered the words "suspending my campaign" before he threw his support to Newt Gingrich, endorsing the former Speaker of the House with an unusual choice of words.

"Newt is not perfect, but who among us is?” said Perry. “There is forgiveness for those who seek God, and I believe in the power of redemption. I have no question that Newt Gingrich has the heart of a conservative reformer, the ability to rally and captivate the conservative movement.”

Perry's characterization of Gingrich seems to reference, in part, the former Speaker of the House's two divorces as well as the claims by his ex-wife, released on Thursday, that he asked her for an open marriage.

"The ultimate objective is not only to replace Barack Obama but to replace him with a conservative leader who will bring about genuine change," Perry said.

Perry also referenced former Texas governor Sam Houston, saying "I know when its time to make a strategic retreat."

Perry's withdrawal comes after recent pressure from conservative leaders and pundits to rally around a single conservative candidate to challenge Mitt Romney.

"The ultimate objective is not only to replace Barack Obama but to replace him with a conservative leader who will bring about genuine change," Perry said.

Though he led polls in South Carolina when he entered the Republican field in August 2011, Perry's support dropped significantly after poor debate performances. Before his announcement he was polling at around 5 percent of the vote in the state, running fifth out of five candidates.

The question remains whether Perry's support can help a surging Gingrich win South Carolina over Romney, who is currently leading in the polls. Conservative Rick Santorum and Libertarian Texas congressman Ron Paul are also still competing.

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This Week's Hot Headlines

Shaq surprises Houston restaurant with $1,000 tip and more top stories

Courtesy of Ninfa's

Shaquille O'Neal had lunch at Ninfa's Uptown.

Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, starting with a surprise visit — and big tip — from Shaq. Plus, Houston ranks among America's most overpriced cities, and rents rise in Sugar Land. Get the details on our most popular stories below, then find the best things to do this weekend here.

1. Shaquille O'Neal leaves $1,000 tip at Houston Tex-Mex institution. NBA Hall of Famer and media personality Shaquille O’Neal surprised the crowd at The Original Ninfa’s Uptown when he stopped by for lunch, posing for pics and leaving a very big tip.

2. Veteran Houston bartender shakes up the Heights with new tropical bar. The woman behind your favorite bartender’s favorite bar has quietly opened a new cocktail spot in the Heights. Called Berwick’s Birds of Paradise, it’s the latest project from Double Trouble owner Robin Berwick.

Berwick's Birds of Paradise bar Robin Berwick Owner Robin Berwick took inspiration from hotel bars for BBOP. Photo by Vivian Leba

3. Houston is one of America's most overpriced cities, study finds. In what may come as a surprise to some local residents, a new study ranks Houston among the 10 most overpriced cities in America.

4. This Houston suburb had the highest apartment rent prices in June. Apartment rent prices in June were more expensive in Sugar Land than anywhere else in Houston, according to the latest monthly rent report from Zumper.

5. Houston influencer opens an antiques-filled boutique hotel in Montrose. 109 Stratford Street in Historic East Avondale has recently opened as a nine-room boutique hotel, The Marlene Inn, from owner and Instagram influencer Lily Barfield.