I was holding out a small amount of hope that they might go the other way, but they do have to hold onto that smaller and smaller (and older and older) percentage of readers who actually have news delivered to them on that thing that most of us used to see in driveways years ago: newspapers.
Here is a link to the Republic's endorsement:
http://www.azcentral.com/...
A few things that the Republic glossed over:
In truth, the son and grandson of war admirals was never a good fit for the go-along, get-along comity of the U.S. Senate. The nation simply has not had an opportunity to elect a president this well prepared - and this willing - to be a world leader since Dwight Eisenhower.
Well, now you tell us, AZ Republic, that's he's not a good fit for the Senate. Then why did you keep endorsing him all these years? The truth is, the Dems always had a weak bench when it came time to challenge McCain, but don't forget that statement, AZ Republic Editorial Board, when he defends his US Senate seat in 2010.
It's funny though, how the Republic yearns for the days of moderate Republicans like Eisenhower. It was the Eisenhower Republicans who actually reached across the aisle on critical issues that gave them respect. Unfortunately, that wing of the party was hijacked years ago by Neo-cons, and people like John McCain, who perhaps on his really good days can remind us of the Eisenhower or Goldwater Republicans, get all sorts of crappy advice from Rove-like advisors that ultimately turn him into a disoriented candidate.
The other thing missing from the endorsement: His only major choice since becoming the GOP candidate - his running mate. No mention of Sarah Palin anywhere in the endorsement. What does that tell you? Endorsement despite blowing your only major decision as a candidate?
I personally like John McCain. I know several people who have met him (Dems and Repubs) and they are all impressed with his ability to remember names of passing acquaintences. I know he routinely visited Mo Udall (former Arizona Democratic Congressman) in his dying days in Washington when everyone else had forgotten him. I have no doubt he cares about our country. And I don't doubt he's a good guy. But he's the second best candidate in this race.
My disappointment goes out to the Editorial Board of the Arizona Republic for taking the easy way out on this historic election.