Farewell Thaddeus, we hardly knew ye

Michigan Rep. Thaddeus McCotter is exiting the GOP presidential race today with fanfare similar to entrance -- that is to say, not much:

McCotter is a conservative who was first elected to Congress in 2002. His presidential bid gained little traction after entering the contest in July.  He failed to gain enough support to be included in Republican debates and finished last in a field of 11 Republicans in the Iowa straw poll in August.

McCotter has pushed for reforms to Social Security and a harder line with China during his campaign.

The conservative Republican told the Detroit News that he will throw his support behind former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney:

McCotter said he would back Romney after the Massachusetts governor made it clear he wouldn't seek a federal health care overhaul like the one Massachusetts adopted when he was governor. "Especially with his business background and in a stagnant economy, he may be the most electable," McCotter said.

He likes Romney rival Texas Gov. Rick Perry, but said the country isn't ready for another Texas president so soon after President George W. Bush. "He may be a vice presidential nominee," McCotter said.