Iowa’s biggest newspaper endorses Romney

Des Moines, IA, United States (4E) – Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney earned an endorsement on Saturday from the Des Moines Register, Iowa’s largest newspaper, noting that his “fresh economic vision” is good for the country.

The endorsement was a major blow for President Barack Obama, who received the backing of the publication four years ago. Romney became the first Republican presidential candidate to get the paper’s support since 1972 when it endorsed Richard Nixon.

The paper’s editorial has been focusing on the opposing economic visions of both candidates. It has been critical of Obama’s policy of more federal spending and charged that the president has come short in reviving the country’s weak economy. It also said that Obama did not do enough to work with the Republicans in key issues.

As the Nov. 6 election approaches, political experts and observers are expecting a down-the-wire finish in the presidential race, and most analysts agree that the winner will be determined by their ability to win over undecided and independent voters in various battleground states such as Iowa.

It is not certain how newspaper endorsements can influence voters, considering that many lean toward media outlets that have the same political views as theirs. Nevertheless, the Register’s endorsement of Romney has ended a long streak of support for the Democrats.

Iowa played a key role in Obama’s presidential bid in 2008 as the state brought him his first caucus victory. He won the state in the general election over Sen. John McCain, and is now leading narrowly according to the latest polls.

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