Reactions to Mitt Romney's withdrawal from campaign

Gov. Mitt Romney is a great Republican who ran a strong campaign. He made the most magnanimous of political gestures today by putting his country and his party before himself. This says more about an individual's character and priorities than anything else. — Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.

I'm all for staying in there and fighting till the end in sports, but Romney's move will reduce divisiveness among Republicans. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-Calif.

I and many Utahns are saddened by the news that Mitt Romney will not be our next president of the United States but proud of the class with which he ran and ended his campaign. He made an important mark in conservative politics and religion in America and will continue to be a major figure for as long as I can see. — Kirk Jowers, director of University of Utah's Hinckley Institute of Politics and head of Romney's Commonwealth PAC

Mitt Romney has been a great friend for many years. I was close to his parents George and Lenore Romney. I'm very proud of Mitt. He has proven to be a tremendous candidate, and he and his lovely wife, Ann, together with their five sons represent the best in America. — Jon Huntsman Sr., a national finance co-chairman for Romney

Mitt Romney's service to our country does not end with this presidential campaign. ... And I know Mitt well enough to know that he will do everything he can to help the Republican Party be successful in this pivotal election year. We need his voice and his energy, and I am confident both will play an important role in the months and years to come. — Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah

I'm saddened at his exit, but I respect his decision. I bet Gov. Romney still has some exciting things ahead of him, and so it will be interesting to see what the future holds. I certainly don't think we've seen the last of Mitt Romney. — Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah