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Strategists: Ben Carson's Presidential Campaign Is Over

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP)-- Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson has decided to end his campaign, according to senior strategists.

Senior strategists for Carson told CBS News Correspondent Major Garrett the candidate's campaign for the presidency is over. According to the strategists, Dr. Carson will not solicit contributions and will return any donations received today or in the future. CBS News reported.

Carson says in a statement earlier Wednesday that he sees "no path forward'' to the nomination and says he will not attend Thursday's GOP debate in Michigan.

"I do not see a political path forward in light of last evening's Super Tuesday primary results," Carson wrote in a statement on his website. "However, this grassroots movement on behalf of 'We the People' will continue. Along with millions of patriots who have supported my campaign for President, I remain committed to Saving America for Future Generations."

The strategists said Carson is eyeing a public policy role in the future and may transition his campaign to that.

Armstrong Williams, Carson's longtime business manager, tells the Associated Press it's "just the reality'' that "there's only one candidate in this 2016 election on the GOP side, and his name is (Donald) Trump.''

Williams adds that Sens. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz also "have no path'' and should drop out.

Another Carson aide, Larry Ross, said Carson will offer "more details'' when he speaks Friday at the CPAC gathering, an annual conservative confab.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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