Bill Richardson drops out

Nothing really surprising about this. I knew it was coming any hour/day now the minute I saw on CNN this afternoon that Richardson was reportedly going to be "taking some time off to go back to his day job and reassess the situation" (whatever that means). Regardless, Richardson is out and the field is essentially down to Clinton, Obama, and Edwards. Kucinich still remains but, while I like him, he really never had a chance.

UPDATE: Richardson will officially announce the decision tomorrow.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson ended his campaign for the presidency Wednesday after twin fourth-place finishes that showed his impressive credentials could not compete with his rivals' star power.

Richardson planned to announce the decision Thursday, according to two people close to the governor with knowledge of the decision. They spoke on a condition of anonymity in advance of the governor's announcement.

The Richardson campaign would not comment on the governor's decision, reached after a meeting with his top advisers Wednesday in New Mexico.