Edwards to Quit '08 Race

Democratic hopeful John Edwards is ending his second quest for the presidency, reports the AP, capping a campaign in which he focused on progressive ideals and wrestled with the recurring cancer of his wife, Elizabeth. The former senator canceled campaign events last night for what was to be a major speech on poverty in New Orleans this afternoon. Instead, he will use the 1pm speech to drop out, said insiders.

Edwards will not endorse either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama immediately, an adviser said. The two-time candidate will instead follow his announcement by working on a Habitat for Humanity project in Katrina-ravaged New Orleans—the same way he launched his campaign, which brought poverty and health care to the forefront, 13 months ago. (More John Edwards stories.)