Plain Dealer and Times-Reporter Break Form to Support Obama

Today's endorsement of John McCain by the Columbus Dispatch is not surprising, since it endorsed Bush in 2004 and routinely supports Republicans in Congressional races as well. The earlier endorsement of McCain by the Findlay Courier similarly follows form. These are the only two major newspaper endorsements for McCain in Ohio to date.

So far, the surprises in Ohio are all on the Obama side. After declining to endorse either candidate in 2004, the Plain Dealer issued a thoughtful and comprehensive statement of support for Obama today. The New Philadephia Times-Reporter also goes for Obama today, after picking Bush in 2004. These papers join the Canton Repository in breaking with their 2004 stance to support Obama.

Another Obama endorsement today comes from the Akron Beacon Journal, joining the Dayton Daily News and the Toledo Blade in supporting Obama after choosing Kerry in 2004.