New Hampshire Union Leader Endorses Chris Christie
— -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s struggling presidential bid got a welcome boost this weekend in an endorsement from the New Hampshire Union Leader.
“In just 10 weeks, New Hampshire will make a choice that will profoundly affect our country and the world. We better get it right,” the newspaper’s publisher Joseph McQuaid wrote in the endorsement. “Our choice is Gov. Chris Christie.”
One of the Granite State’s leading newspapers, the Union Leader’s endorsement is a significant development for the Christie’s campaign, which has so far failed to gain traction in the crowded Republican primary.
“Gov. Christie is right for these dangerous times,” the editorial continued. “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.”
Following the terrorist attacks in Paris, Christie has capitalized on his national security portfolio, which includes his past experience as a federal prosecutor in the wake of the September 11 attacks.
As the paper’s endorsement serves to build up Christie’s credentials as a proven leader, it also shoots down several of the other GOP contenders without naming names -- specifically calling out senators and those without any political experience.
“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,” McQuaid wrote.
“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,” he added. “Gov. Christie knows what he is saying because he has experienced it.”
In addition to his credentials seemingly gaining the attention of the newspaper’s editorial board, the New Jersey governor is also likely seeing the dividends of his campaign’s heavy strategic investment in the first-in-the-nation primary, with Christie himself having already spent 48 days campaigning in New Hampshire.
Since launching his campaign this summer, Christie has been polling in the single digits both nationally and in statewide polls.
