Obama, the first to say goodbye - to Tom that is.

Here's what Illinois Sen. Barack Obama had to say about Vilsack's decision to quit the race...

"Tom Vilsack is an outstanding public servant whose initiatives in Iowa on education reform, health care and alternative energy are models from which our entire nation can learn. More than that, Tom brings a badly needed sense of honor and decency to our politics, and a passionate advocacy for an end to the war in Iraq. I hope he will continue to speak out in the months and years to come, as his is an important and valued voice."