Christie And Fiorina Suspend White House Bids

Republicans Chris Christie and Carly Fiorina have suspended their White House campaigns.

New Jersey Governor Christie bowed out a day after he finished sixth in Tuesday's New Hampshire primary.

Mr Christie made the announcement after returning home to "take a deep breath" and decide his political future.

The pugnacious governor's campaign had argued his ability to be elected twice in a staunchly Democratic state proved his cross-party appeal.

But his brand as a tough-talking truth teller was overshadowed by the no-holds-barred bombast of Republican frontrunner Donald Trump.

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"We bet the ranch on New Hampshire," a Christie source told ABC News, "and no one ever anticipated the Trump phenomenon."

Ms Fiorina, a former Hewlett-Packard chief executive, announced she was dropping out after coming seventh in Tuesday's New Hampshire primary.

The 61-year-old, who compared herself to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, had promoted her business expertise in the race for November's presidential election.

Ms Fiorina rose briefly in the polls on the back of strong debate performances, but she struggled to build on her support in a crowded field.

The only female in the Republican field, she aimed a parting shot at Democratic rival Hillary Clinton .

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In a statement posted on Facebook, she wrote: "Do not listen to anyone who says you have to vote a certain way or for a certain candidate because you're a woman.

"That is not feminism.

"Feminism doesn't shut down conversations or threaten women."

Mrs Clinton's surrogates have been widely criticised for disparaging women who don't support the former Secretary of State.

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Neither Mr Christie nor Ms Fiorina immediately endorsed any other candidate.

Their departures leave seven Republicans in the race.

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