The list of newspapers that endorsed Barack Obama in 2008 but are now endorsing Mitt Romney in 2012, is growing. Back on 10/22/12 Politico reported that nine major publications had switched from obama 2008 endorsements to 2012 Romney, with only four that has endorsed John McCain in 2008 switching to endorse Obama in 2012.
Florida's Sun Sentinel joined the list of those switching from Obama to Romney on the 26th and yesterday's headline from the Des Moines Register, Iowa's largest newspaper, adds their publication to the list.
"Mitt Romney offers a fresh economic vision," is the headlined reason.
American voters are deeply divided about this race. The Register’s editorial board, as it should, had a vigorous debate over this endorsement. Our discussion repeatedly circled back to the nation’s single most important challenge: pulling the economy out of the doldrums, getting more Americans back in the workforce in meaningful jobs with promising futures, and getting the federal government on a track to balance the budget in a bipartisan manner that the country demands.
Which candidate could forge the compromises in Congress to achieve these goals? When the question is framed in those terms, Mitt Romney emerges the stronger candidate.
The former governor and business executive has a strong record of achievement in both the private and the public sectors. He was an accomplished governor in a liberal state. He founded and ran a successful business that turned around failing companies. He successfully managed the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Romney has made rebuilding the economy his No. 1 campaign priority — and rightly so.
According to CNN, this is the first time the Des Moines Register has endorsed a Republican for president in 40 years.
This comes at a time when Obama holds a two point polling lead over Romney in Iowa, and while the paper's endorsement won't change the minds of those already decided, it could perhaps tip the scales toward Mitt Romney with those that haven't made up their minds yet.
Romney has momentum, as shown by polling earlier in the month giving Obama and eight point lead, to more recent polls, where Gravis gives Obama a four point lead, Rasmussen finds the race tied and Democratic pollster Public Policy Polling gives Romney a one point lead.
Iowa hold six electoral votes.
[Update] Daily Herald and Gannet's PNJ, both endorsed Obama in 2008 and now are endorsing Romney for President in 2012.
[Update] View the list of newspapers across the country endorsing Mitt Romney and their reasons for doing so, HERE.
