Poll: Union Leader Endorses Christie, But Will it Matter?

The New Hampshire Union Leader, the state’s highest circulation newspaper, has endorsed Gov. Chris Christie, R-NJ, for the Republican first-in-the-nation primary, according to a post online and press accounts.

Publisher Joe McQuaid wrote that Christie was a conservative who was elected in a liberal state twice, took on public sector unions, was pro-life, and had experience taking on terrorists.

McQuaid appeared on “Meet the Press” this morning and explained to host Chuck Todd and the show’s panel that the newspaper’s editorial board eliminated most of the candidates due to a lack of elected and executive experience. The endorsement primarily focused on three candidates – Christie, former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-FL, and current Gov. John Kasich, R-OH – and Christie won the panel over.

“We don’t need another fast-talking, well-meaning freshman U.S. senator trying to run the government,” McQuaid wrote in the editorial. “We are still seeing the disastrous effects of the last such choice … Gov. Christie is right for these dangerous times.”

Will, however, the endorsement matter? While most in the political world agree that the newspaper’s endorsement is “coveted” by candidates, in order to give their campaigns a push, the plug hasn’t always helped candidates. What do you think? Vote in our online poll and leave a note in the comment section.

Read the full endorsement at unionleader.com.