[LuvFreeRepublic]

While Perry is in the race he gets face time and he can hammer Mitt. In addition, he can participate in the next two debates and go after Mitt there, which is the most important thing. Obviously if this is what Perry is doing, we will see him drop out shortly after SC primary. Not sure there is time for him to drop out and endorse Newt or Santorum between second debate and SC primary. Don't have the schedule handy.

[Windflier]

While Perry is in the race he gets face time and he can hammer Mitt. In addition, he can participate in the next two debates and go after Mitt there, which is the most important thing.

Perry can be a strong and motivating voice in the course of the election without sucking votes away from the other two conservatives (by remaining in it).

His influence doesn't hinge upon his presence in the race. What does hinge upon his presence in the race, are real, countable votes. With the polling margin as thin as it is going into SC, it's hair-raising to think that the few votes Perry takes from Gingrich might put Romney across the line for the win.

Get out now, Perry, and use whatever pull you have with your supporters to help put Newt ahead of Romney.