Des Moines, Iowa ? Delaware Sen. Joe Biden and Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd abandoned their bids for the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday after poor showings in the state’s caucuses.

“There is nothing sad about tonight. We are so incredibly proud of you all,” Biden told his supporters. “So many of you have sacrificed for me and I am so indebted to you. I feel no regret. I ain’t goin’ away.”

The veteran lawmaker received less than 1 percent of the vote despite a spirited campaign in which he emphasized his international policy credentials and long career in public service.

“Tonight I am withdrawing from the presidential race but let me assure you, we are not ending this race with our heads hanging but with our heads held high,” Dodd told about 100 supporters here.

Dodd was never able to break from the pack of Democratic contenders despite his long and distinguished Senate career. He won just 0.02 percent of the state’s caucusgoers.