Giuliani, Edwards quit White House race

By Claudia Parsons and Steve Holland

SIMI VALLEY, California (Reuters) - Republican Rudy Giuliani and Democrat John Edwards abandoned their failing U.S. presidential bids on Wednesday, narrowing the race to two main candidates on each side before next week's nomination voting in more than 20 states.

Giuliani, the one-time front-runner who finished a distant third in Florida's Republican primary on Tuesday, traveled to California to endorse Arizona Sen. John McCain in a Republican battle against former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

"Today I am officially announcing my withdrawal as a candidate for president of the United States," Giuliani said at the Ronald Reagan presidential library in Simi Valley before a televised Republican presidential debate.

"John McCain is the most qualified candidate to be the next commander-in-chief of the United States."

McCain, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with his longtime friend, said all Americans recalled the former New York mayor's leadership after the September 11 attacks in 2001 and predicted Giuliani would be his "strong right arm" in the campaign.

The Los Angeles Times said McCain was also set to win the endorsement of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, adding to his momentum before the heavyweight state holds its crucial primary as part of next week's coast-to-coast Super Tuesday voting.

The candidates are in the early stages of a state-by-state battle to pick Republican and Democratic presidential nominees. The winners from the two parties will face off in the November 4 election to succeed President George W. Bush.

HISTORIC DEMOCRATIC RACE

The withdrawal of Edwards means Democrats will field a history-making ticket.

Regardless of whether Illinois Sen. Barack Obama or former first lady Hillary Clinton wins the nomination, it will be the first time a black or a woman has headed a major U.S. party's presidential slate.

Edwards, a former North Carolina senator, traveled to New Orleans, where he launched his campaign more than a year ago, to make the surprise announcement that he was pulling out.

He had vowed last week to stay in the race until Tuesday, when almost half the U.S. states vote to pick candidates for the November election.

"It is time for me to step aside so that history can blaze its path," said Edwards, who campaigned as the champion of low- and middle-income families.

Edwards did not immediately endorse either of his rivals.

Giuliani's withdrawal leaves McCain facing a strong challenge from Romney.