Long-shot Thaddeus McCotter bows out of GOP race

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, whose bid to be the Republican party's presidential nominee never caught fire, said Thursday he was withdrawing from the race.

A spokeswoman for the Michigan congressman confirmed to the Detroit Free Press McCotter would end his campaign and endorse former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

McCotter, who announced in July, plans to run for re-election in his congressional district, spokeswoman Michaela Huntley said.

McCotter had hoped to do well in the Iowa straw poll but finished last.