Raleigh, N.C. ? John Edwards ended his pursuit of the Democratic presidential nomination on Wednesday, pledging to “do everything in my power” to help John Kerry win the White House.

“And I ask you to join me in this cause,” he told cheering supporters.

Edwards said he was suspending his campaign, signaling an end to his active effort to gain the presidency after winning only one state out of 30 to hold primaries and caucuses so far.

The North Carolina senator already has announced plans not to seek re-election to Congress when his term expires at the end of the year. But already, there is speculation that Kerry might tap him for a running mate for the fall.