NEWT EX-WIFE UNLOADS ON CAMERA; NETWORK DEBATES ‘ETHICS’ OF AIRING BEFORE SC PRIMARY  —  Marianne Gingrich has said she could end her ex-husband's career with a single interview.  —  Earlier this week, she sat before ABCNEWS cameras, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.

FIRST ON CNN: Sources: Perry dropping out of GOP race  —  Charleston, South Carolina (CNN) - Rick Perry is telling supporters that he will drop his bid Thursday for the Republican presidential nomination, two sources familiar with his plans told CNN.  —  The Texas governor will make the announcement …

Rick Perry to drop 2012 campaign for president, endorse Newt, Sources say  —  Rick Perry is expected to drop out later this morning at an 11 a.m. press conference and endorse Newt Gingrich, two sources confirmed to POLITICO.  —  The news was first reported by CNN.

AP source: ABC interviewed Gingrich ex-wife  —  NEW YORK (AP) - An ABC News executive tells The Associated Press that the network has interviewed Newt Gingrich's second wife and is likely to air the segment Thursday on “Nightline.”  —  That's two days before the South Carolina primary …

Cop Out for the Ages!!  —  The Republican party of Iowa has finished it's recount of the January 3rd Iowa caucuses and the certified final results show Rick Santorum came out ahead by 34 votes.  So he ‘won’, right?  —  Well, not according to the state GOP.  According to the state party it's a “split decision” or a “tie.”

Marianne Gingrich speaks  —  Matt Drudge first broke news that Marianne Gingrich, Newt Gingrich's second wife who he left after a lengthy affair with his current wife, Callista, has given an interview to ABC News, which appears to mark only the second time she's spoken this cycle.

Perry to End Bid for Presidency  —  CHARLESTON, S.C. — Gov. Rick Perry of Texas is poised to end his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, according to two Republicans close to Mr. Perry, a decision that comes two days before the South Carolina primary.

NBC poll: Newt Gingrich gains ground on Mitt Romney in South Carolina  —  In the final days leading up to the South Carolina primary, Newt Gingrich attacked Mitt Romney's tax rate revelation.  NBC's Chuck Todd reports.  —  By NBC's Mark Murray  —  Follow @mmurraypolitics

POLITICO Poll: Newt in striking distance  —  CHARLESTON, S.C. — Mitt Romney remains the clear front-runner in South Carolina, but the intensity of Newt Gingrich's support places him within striking distance going into Saturday's Republican primary.  —  A POLITICO Poll of likely voters shows …

Gingrich Camp Responds to Ex-Wife's Interview  —  GREENVILLE, S.C. — Anticipating a potentially damaging interview with one of Newt Gingrich's former wives on the eve of the South Carolina primary, his campaign issued an open letter on Wednesday night to “ABC News leadership,” …

1/19: Romney Leads Gingrich by 10 Points in South Carolina; 5 Points Post-Debate  —  As the Republican presidential candidates crisscross the Palmetto State in the days leading up to Saturday's South Carolina primary, Mitt Romney leads Newt Gingrich, 34% to 24%, among likely Republican primary voters including …