The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Florida Sen. Bob Graham ended his bid for the presidency after struggling to gain momentum or raise cash in the crowded Democratic field, while leaving open the possibility of another Senate campaign or even a vice presidential run if asked.

Graham, who said his candidacy failed because he got in the race behind several of his rivals and had a hard time raising money, became the first Democrat to drop out of the 10-way competition.

Graham, 66, is one of the most popular politicians in Florida, but he attracted only single-digit support in national presidential polls and could not reach his goal of raising $15 million to $20 million to fund his candidacy.

After seven months of campaigning mainly as an opponent of the war in Iraq, he raised about $5 million and had less than $1 million left in the bank - not enough to run a credible nationwide campaign.