Gov. Rick Perry ended his presidential campaign today and endorsed former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, completing a months-in-the-making defeat for a campaign that began with high hopes. Perry’s departure marks the first loss of his 28-year political career. “I’ve always believed the mission is greater than the man,” Perry said in Charleston, S.C., the same town where he launched his presidential bid in August. “As I’ve contemplated the future of this campaign, I have come to the conclusion that there is no viable path forward for me in this 2012 campaign. Therefore, today I am suspending my campaign and endorsing Newt Gingrich for president of the United States.” Perry called Gingrich “a conservative visionary who can transform our country.”Austin Stateman