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 …

Exclusive: Gingrich Lacks Moral Character to Be President, Ex-Wife Says  —  Newt Gingrich lacks the moral character to serve as President, his second ex-wife Marianne told ABC News, saying his campaign positions on the sanctity of marriage and the importance of family values do not square …

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.

WATCH: Gingrich's Ex Says Newt Asked Her For An Open Marriage  —  WASHINGTON — Newt Gingrich's second ex-wife says the former House Speaker lacks the ‘moral character’ to be President.  —  In an interview with ABC's Brian Ross that was recorded last week and which will air in its entireity …

Perry Ends Bid for Presidency  —  Mr. Perry speaking at a campaign event in Mason City, Iowa, on Dec. 30, 2011.  Mr. Perry is poised to end his candidacy and endorse Newt Gingrich on Thursday.  —  Updated  —  NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - Gov. Rick Perry of Texas dropped out of the Republican presidential race …

Marianne Gingrich, Newt's ex-wife, says he wanted ‘open marriage’  —  Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich in 1999 asked his second wife for an “open marriage” or a divorce at the same time he was giving speeches around the country on family and religious values, his former wife, Marianne, told The Washington Post on Thursday.

Gingrich leads Romney on 1st night of tracking  —  Newt Gingrich led Mitt Romney 34-28 in PPP's South Carolina polling last night, the first of what will be three nights of tracking.  Ron Paul at 15%, Rick Santorum at 14%, Rick Perry at 5%, and Buddy Roemer at 3% round out the field.

Stephen Colbert To Hold Rally With Herman Cain In South Carolina On Friday  —  “ROCK ME LIKE A HERMAN CAIN!”  A day before the primary.  —  Source: talkingpointsmemo.com  —  From Colbert's “campaign”  —  FOR IMMEDIATE catch & RELEASE  —  STEPHEN COLBERT ASKS SOUTH CAROLINA TO

POLITICO Poll: Newt closing in  —  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 …

SOPA Activism Moves Republicans More Than Democrats  —  Yesterday's SOPA strike was enormously successful, not only raising attention to the issue but moving a tremendous amount of politicians for a one-day event.  Over 4.5 million people signed Google's petition against SOPA.