Boston Globe endorses Huntsman in GOP primary

Republican presidential candidate, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman campaigns during a town hall style meeting at Goss International in Durham, N.H. , Jan. 5, 2012.

/ AP Photo/Stephan Savoia

In a rebuke to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, The Boston Globe on Thursday endorsed Jon Huntsman for the Republican presidential nomination, marking the former Utah governor's sixth -- and by far largest -- newspaper endorsement in or near the state where he has chosen to put all of his campaign chips.

Huntsman announced the endorsement shortly after taking the stage for a town hall at the Newport Recreation Department in Newport, N.H. on Tuesday night, touting it as "the largest newspaper in the entire region." Shortly afterward, the newspaper's website posted the editorial, which described Huntsman as "the best-prepared to be president," crediting his gubernatorial record and credential as a former U.S. ambassador to China.

But The Globe, while almost doubling the circulation of front-runner Romney's Boston Herald endorsement, may not reach much of the GOP electorate: It's a traditionally liberal newspaper that annually endorses the Democratic candidate in the general election, as it did with then-candidate Barack Obama in 2008.

The newspaper said Romney was the only other GOP candidate who could be regarded as truly presidential. "But while Romney proceeds cautiously, strategically, trying to appease enough constituencies to get himself the nomination, Huntsman has been bold," it said.

It added: "But even if Romney emerges as the nominee, it matters how he gets there. Already, the religious right, represented by Rick Santorum, and Tea Party activists, represented by Ron Paul, have pushed Romney in unwanted directions. In New Hampshire, Republican and independent voters have a chance, through Huntsman, to show him a sturdier model. Jon Huntsman would be a better president. But if he fails, he could still make Romney a better candidate."

[MerColeman]

Their is something seriously wrong if the Boston Globe endorsed him. Considering they are as liberal as the New York Times. Voting for Huntsman is like Voting for Obama which is something I refuse to do...> I am voting today!! Love living in NH :)

[Spengler47]

Democrats love to describe Republicans as ignorant, but it seems to me there's plenty of ignorance in both parties. But it was that arrogant attitude that drove me out of the Democratic Party. It's been years since I lived in Massachusetts and read the Boston Globe. However, I do recall in 1978 the Boston Globe was supporting Democratic congressman Paul Tsongas for the US Senate against incumbent Senator Ed Brook, a Republican and first African American senator since Reconstruction. Brook was going through a divorce and his wife was making all kinds of accusations against him. Every day the Boston Globe would splash her accusations all over the front page and provide Brook no opportunity to respond, or his response would finally be printed several days later, buried on the back pages. I thought the Boston Herald's coverage was much fairer.

[joedamico34]

Just more and more cra* that comes out of Republicans, Any one voting for a Republican needs their head examined, they took this country down and kept it from getting better under Obama and if they get back in power the Republicans will destroy our country. All poor and middle class will be on a soup line with NO soup.
Republicans are doing their best to suppress poor voters and will DO anything to win, do you really what them back...

[StellaWonder]

How could the Republicans "keep the country from getting better under Obama?" He OWNED the federal government during the first two years of government--the Republicans were totally locked out of the process. In 2010, the country rebelled at what Obama was doing, so he lost control of the House. Stop lying and tell the truth. The middle class has been given the SHAFT ever since this charlatan of a president was elected. He will be fired in 2012. Yes, I REALLY want the Republicans back!

[Hutterite]

The deseret news in utah will not be happy about this. Huntsman is not their fair haired boy.

[RunsWithWolves]

They are smarter in Boston than Iowa. Hunstman is by far the most intelligent Repub.........but he has no chance. He polls at about 1%. This proves the theory that Republicans are just ignorant, uninformed voters.

[FormerUSMCSergeant]

Huntsman's the one repub I could vote for, but he's not rabid enough for the base so I won't get the chance.......

[bilrobi1]

I agree. He may well be the only reasonable candidate. I doesn't look like the Republicans want a reasonable candidate. Also I'm a Democrat,If Huntsman was by some freak of happenstance was nominated,I would seriously consider him.

[longtree-2009]

lets not forget obama is no bargain. if voters are doing well financially since obama, they will vote for him again or for the first time. those who are not doing well since obama will vote against obama for the first time or again. voters will most likely look at their wallet, their assets, their job security if they have one when they mark their ballot.

[baileyccc]

This is great news. The largest, most important paper in Romney home state is against him. The confusion the republicans generate the better it is for our President. This bunch of republicans are a cluster "you know what".

[StellaWonder]

The Boston Globe IS NOT the "most important paper" in MA. Huntsman probably bought this endorsement to once again, embarrass Romney. If he would stop with the attacks against Romney, and start presenting real solutions to issues--he might poll better than 1%.

[nearl451]

Well? They don'tcare for the newest,vacant Romney. They preferred the old moderate.