April 7, 1988:
Sen. Paul Simon, an Illinois Democrat seeking his party's presidential nomination, announces he will suspend his campaign.
Hoping to capture the votes of liberals and academics, Simon finished second in Iowa and third in New Hampshire and, other than a victory in his home state, failed to make a difference. His withdrawal comes two days after a dismal showing in the Wisconsin primary, where he received just 5 percent of the vote.
Simon was first elected to the Senate in 1984, defeating incumbent Republican Charles Percy. He will retire after two terms and be succeeded by fellow Democrat Dick Durbin.
Today in Campaign History is a daily feature on Political Junkie.
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