Former Louisiana Gov. Charles "Buddy" Roemer is dropping his bid to seek the Republican nomination for president, but that doesn't mean he is giving up his bid for the White House. Roemer, instead, will run as an independent candidate, according to a statement from his campaign.
Roemer is planning to make a formal announcement of his decision Thursday in Santa Monica, Calif.
“Tomorrow, I will formally end my bid for the GOP nomination for President of the United States. As the GOP and the networks host debate number twenty-something this evening, they have once again turned their backs on the democratic process by choosing to exclude a former Governor and Congressman. I have decided to take my campaign directly to the American people by declaring my candidacy for Americans Elect," said a statement from Roemer.
The former governor was a long-shot to get the nomination among the field of Republican candidates, and he has struggled to capture the public's attention as seen in recent polls. Roemer has been unable to get in any of the Republican debates.
Roemer also will seek the nomination from the Reform Party, according to the statement.
"It is time to heal our nation and build a coalition of Americans who are fed up with the status quo and the partisan gridlock that infects Washington. Together, we will take on the special-interests that control our leaders and end the corruptive influence of money in politics so we can focus on America’s top priority – jobs."
