Jeb Bush quits White House race

Until his loss in South Carolina primary, Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida and frontrunner for the Republican nomination, was on his way to making history as the third in the current generation of Bush to become president of the United States (US).

George Bush, snr, his father, and George Bush, jnr, his elder brother, have led the most powerful nation on earth at different periods.

Unlike Bush, the former presidents won the nomination of the Republican Party.

Not even the support of his elder brother who joined his campaign train ahead of the South Carolina primary could keep him in the race.

In an emotional speech to his supporters late Saturday, Bush said he gave his best to the campaign but had to quit in line with the wish of the party which chose another candidate.

“I’m proud of the campaign that we’ve run to unify our country,” he said.

“The people of Iowa and New Hampshire and South Carolina have spoken, and I really respect their decision.”

South Carolina was his third straight disappointing finish in the early voting states.

Earlier, he had lost Iowa and New Hampshire.

His elder brother has congratulated him, saying he is still proud of Jeb despite the loss.

“Laura and I are proud of Jeb and Columba for the character and class they brought to this important campaign,” he said in a statement.

“I was moved by Jeb’s concession speech.”

“I told Jeb how proud I am of him and his staff for running a campaign that looked to the future, presented serious policy proposals, and elevated the tone of the race.”

“Jeb’s decision to suspend his campaign reflects his selfless character and patriotism.”

Meanwhile, Donald Trump won the South Carolina primary, cementing his status as the man to beat for his party’s nomination.

In the Democratic contest, Hillary Clinton beat Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in a tight race in Nevada.

Both results will be key ahead of the “Super Tuesday” round on 1 March, when a dozen more states make their choice