DES MOINES, Iowa - January 4, 2012 - After coming in nearly last in the Iowa caucuses last night, Texas Gov. Rick Perry said he would return home to reassess his campaign for the presidency, implying that the end might be near for the candidate.

“With the voters’ decision tonight in Iowa, I’ve decided to return to Texas, assess the results of tonight’s caucus, and determine whether there is a path forward for myself in this race,” he said. “With a little prayer and reflection, I’m going to decide the best path forward.

“But I want to tell you, there has been no greater joy in my life than to be able to share with the people of Iowa and of this country that there is a model to take this country forward - and it is in the great state of Texas.”

Perry placed fifth in the state’s election with 10% of the vote, just ahead of Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.), who finished last among the candidates who campaigned in the state.

Mitt Romney ended up on top, beating Rick Santorum by just 8 votes. Rep. Ron Paul (Tex.) placed third. Jon Huntsman did not campaign in Iowa, choosing instead to focus on New Hampshire.