South Carolina Republicans headed to thepollsSaturday to cast decisive votes that could reshape the Republican presidential primary race.Donald Trump won the state early on, with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)garnering almost exactly the same share of the vote.After a disappointing likely fourth place finish, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) bowed out of the race."I've had an incredible life, and for me, public service has been the highlight of that life," Bush said in his concession speech. "But no matter what the future holds, here's the greatest ... landing you can imagine ' tonight I'm going to sleep with the best friend I have and the love of my life."The race in the state wasparticularly nasty, with accusations of foul-play flying between multiple campaigns.The Rubio campaign, for instance,criticized Cruz's campaign for allegedly making robocalls suggesting Rubio may drop out of the race. But the Bush campaign shot back that it was skeptical of the Rubio campaign's claim ' and that it had reason to believe the Rubio campaign was spreading rumors about the Bush and Kasich campaigns in the state.Read updates from our South Carolinalive blog below.9:54 p.m. EST 'With 99% of precincts reporting, it appeared Rubio may eke out a second place victory, capturing 22.5% support compared to Cruz's 22.3% support.9:40 p.m. EST 'In a speech at his primary night party, Cruz praised Bush as a candidate who "didn't go to the gutter and engage in insults and attacks.""Governor Bush brought honor and dignity to this race," Cruz said.8:52 p.m. EST 'Trump took the stage, thanking his supporters and predicting a strong finish in Nevada's Republican primary on Tuesday."We won, we won," Trump saidas the audience at his victory party cheered.Trump congratulated Cruz and Rubio, saying that running for president is difficult."It's tough, it's nasty, it's mean, it's vicious, it's beautiful," Trump said, before pausing. "When you win, it's beautiful."8:48 p.m. EST 'With 58% of precincts reporting, Cruz had less than a one-point lead over Rubio for second place.8:41 p.m. EST 'Bush announced at his primary night party that he would exit the race."The people of Iowa and New Hampshire and South Carolinahave spoken, and I really respect their decision" Bush said. "So tonight I'm suspending my campaign."Bush had tears in his eyes as he thanked supporters. Told one friend now they'll be able to get a beer. "Sorry, brother," he told another' Ed O'Keefe (@edatpost) February 21, 20168:39 p.m. EST 'CNN reported Bush would suspend his campaign following a likely fourth or fifth place finish.8:38 p.m. EST 'The South Carolina Republican party chairman projectedSaturday's primary would likely set a record.60,000 absentee voters - more than double 2012. Currently estimating 710,000 total (new record). https://t.co/nXoAkpbvYR' Matt Moore (@MattMooreSC) February 21, 20168:37 p.m. EST 'Despite a likely sixth place finish, Carson said he would not drop out of the race yet.Carson says "I'm not going anywhere." Next stop, Nevada...' Katherine Faulders (@KFaulders) February 21, 20168:26 p.m. EST 'Trump appeared poised to secure at least 38 of the state's 50 delgates.ABC estimates Trump will win at least 38 of SC's 50 delegates. And may yet win all 50 tonight.' Rick Klein (@rickklein) February 21, 20168:16 p.m. EST 'Cruz and Rubio continued to run almost equally. Cruz has a very slight lead over Rubio with 26% of precincts reporting, while Bushbumped Kasich from fourth place.8:08 p.m. EST 'ABC's Candace Smith noted that Bush's party did not turn on the monitors to watch the election night results on television, an unusual move. No tvs on at @JebBush election night party pic.twitter.com/02UEUhiNUS' Candace Smith (@CandaceSmith_) February 21, 20168:03 p.m. EST 'With 13% of precincts reporting, Rubio jumped slightly ahead of Cruz. Bush's lead also declined, falling less than a point below Kasich.7:56 p.m. EST 'As more precinct results began trickling in, Cruz's lead has widened. With 7% of precincts reporting, theTexas senator captured 22.1% support to Rubio's 20.9% support.7:54 p.m. EST 'Cruz appeared to take a very slightlead over Rubio for second. With 5% of precincts reporting, Cruz secured 21.7% support compared to Rubio's 21.1% support.7:36 p.m. EST 'CNN noted with 3% of precincts reporting, Cruz and Rubio are locked in a dead heat for second place. Bush is far below with just under 10% support.7:28 p.m. EST 'With about 1% of precincts reporting, NBC,ABC, and the Associated PressprojectedTrump would win South Carolina.NBC calls South Carolina for Trump' Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) February 21, 2016NBC, Fox and now AP have all called SC for Trump.' Eli Stokols (@EliStokols) February 21, 20167:24 p.m. EST 'With about 1% of precincts reporting, Trump captureda significant lead, with 33.6% support.7:09 p.m. EST ' Only a few minutes after the polls closed,Trump appeared to be lowering expectations, noting that some political pundits gave him "no chance" in the Palmetto State.People (pundits) gave me no chance in South Carolina. Now it looks like a possible win. I would be happy with a one vote victory! (HOPE)' Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 20167:05 p.m. EST ' As the polls closed, CBS reported exit polls showed a tight race between Trump and Cruz, with Rubio in third.CBS News estimates @realdonaldtrump in tight race w/ @tedcruz and @marcorubio: https://t.co/aM0b4paup9 #SCprimary pic.twitter.com/eL5u9aETAY' CBS News Politics (@CBSPolitics) February 21, 2016Other exit polls showed similar results.FIRST South Carolina exit polls: Trump 30, Cruz 25-26, Rubio 23, Bush/Kasich/Carson 7https://t.co/xBXPRdlxAv' Taniel (@Taniel) February 21, 2016SEE ALSO:Republicans are about to have their next big battle, and everyone is accusing each other of 'dirty tricks'Join the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: This botched intro was the most entertaining moment of the GOP debate
Click here to read full news..
