Chris Christie Endorsed by New Hampshire's Union Leader

Chris Christie won the endorsement of the New Hampshire's Union Leader, the state's largest paper and what Politico called the "most respected newspaper voice."

The Union Leader endorsed John McCain in 2008 and Newt Gingrich in 2012, noted Politico.

The endorsement of the New Jersey governor was a boost to Christie, who has been polling nationally at 3 percent, eighth among the Republican field, said Boston.com. In New Hampshire, Christie has been slightly better, 5.3 percent for seventh place.

"As a U.S. attorney and then a big-state governor, he is the one candidate who has the range and type of experience the nation desperately needs," wrote the Union Leader's publisher Joseph W. McQuaid in the paper's endorsement.

"We don't need another fast-talking, well-meaning freshman U.S. senator trying to run the government. We are still seeing the disastrous effects of the last such choice. Chris Christie is a solid, pro-life conservative who has managed to govern in liberal New Jersey, face down the big public unions, and win a second term," said McQuaid.

The newspaper cited Christie's ability to work with both parties and his experience with the law as factors for his endorsement while apparently taking a shot at current GOP frontrunner Donald Trump.

"Gov. Christie is right for these dangerous times," said the endorsement. "He has prosecuted terrorists and dealt admirably with major disasters. But the one reason he may be best-suited to lead during these times is because he tells it like it is and isn't shy about it."

"Other candidates have gained public and media attention by speaking bluntly. But it's important when you are telling it like it is to actually know what you are talking about." 

The newspaper added that in the current field, Christie would make a strong general election candidate.

"Gov. Chris Christie is exactly the conservative Republican needed to take the fight to Hillary Clinton next fall and then get about the serious business of defending us and rebuilding our economy."

Politico said New Hampshire has been one of the centerpieces of Christie's campaign, and he has made repeated political stops in the state. 

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