I wonder what (who) pressured Forbes out of the race. It was clear that he was stealing some of the Bush voters away...!

Sources: Forbes Dropping Presidential Bid

By RON FOURNIER .c The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (Feb. 9) - Conservative publisher Steve Forbes abandoned his Republican presidential campaign today after spending tens of millions of dollars and nearly four years on the road in a self-financed bid for the White House, The Associated Press has learned.

Forbes, in Michigan for a series of campaign events, canceled today's schedule and was leaving the state after finalizing his decision and informing staff, according to two senior advisers who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Aides prepared for a Thursday afternoon news conference at which Forbes would announce his departure. He had no plans to endorse his rivals, advisers said.

His decision clears the way for a two-way race between national front-runner George W. Bush and Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the surging underdog. Bush stood to benefit from the news because Forbes siphoned conservative voters that might otherwise side with the Texas governor.

McCain and Bush are bracing for a pivotal showdown in South Carolina's Feb. 19 primary.

Former Ambassador Alan Keyes is the only other member of the GOP field, but is not considered a challenger for the nomination.

Forbes is the seventh Republican to quit the race, all victims to some extent of Bush's fund-raising prowess.

One adviser said Forbes made a tentative decision to quit the race over the weekend, even before finishing a disappointing third in Delaware's primary Tuesday. McCain did not campaign in the state but finished comfortably ahead of Forbes.

Aides said the publishing executive had not ruled out an endorsement at a later date. Some supporters said their candidate still harbored some resentment toward Bush and his camp for undisclosed actions.

AP-NY-02-09-00 0652EST