Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson's announcement Sunday ending his presidential run didn't come as much of a surprise. Several GOP campaigns said Sunday afternoon they anticipated such an announcement coming this week after Thompson's sixth-place finish in Saturday's Republican Party of Iowa straw poll in Ames.

Thompson told IowaPolitics.com just minutes after he concluded his speech Saturday in Ames he felt like he could place in the top three. However, when the final vote was tallied, the Republican finished out of the top five. Mitt Romney won the event with Mike Huckabee capturing second.

Thompson exited the race Sunday saying he did not have any regrets.

"I want to thank the people of Iowa who were welcoming and supportive as well as my volunteers and contributors from around the country," Thompson said in a statement. "I have no regrets about running. I felt my record as Governor of Wisconsin and Secretary of Health and Human Services gave me the experience I needed to serve as President, but I respect the decision of the voters. I am leaving the campaign trail today, but I will not leave the challenges of improving health care and welfare in America."

Read the complete story by IowaPolitics.com Des Moines Bureau Chief Chris Dorsey