John McCain Watch: New Hampshire Union Leader Endorses McCain

Republican Presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, shakes hands while going door to door campaigning with volunteers Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. South Carolina State Rep. Tracy Edge, R-North Myrtle Beach is at center.

Publisher Joseph W. McQuaid of the conservative influential New Hampshire Union Leader has endorsed John McCain for President.

On Jan. 8, New Hampshire Republicans will make one of the most important choices for their party and nation in the history of our presidential primary. Their choice ought to be John McCain.

We don’t agree with him on every issue. We disagree with him strongly on campaign finance reform. What is most compelling about McCain, however, is that his record, his character, and his courage show him to be the most trustworthy, competent, and conservative of all those seeking the nomination. Simply put, McCain can be trusted to make informed decisions based on the best interests of his country, come hell or high water.

What does this mean for the Race for 2008?

Certainly for more votes for John McCain in New Hampshire and South Carolina. This endorsement also spells the end of Mitt Romney’s early momentum strategy to sweep the “early states” of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Who is the WINNER – besides McCain?

Rudy Giuliani

By denying Mitt Romney early large pluarality victories Mike Huckabee and John McCain aid Giuliani to disperse votes and delegates prior to Florida (January 29) and the large state Super Duper Tuesday, February 5th. Also, while Romney goes negative on Huckabee in Iowa who will be his target in New Hampshire? Mitt will have to expend campaign resources against both candidates.

Should the current polling hold up, there are few scenarios where Romney can make a come back after either meager wins in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina or loses in two of these three states. Remember Giuliani will sweep the Northeast primary states which have many more GOP convention delegates than the early states. Rudy simply needs to bide his time, save campaign resources and win the large delegate states like New York, New Jersey, Florida and California.

Now, the main question is: Will the Union Leader bash Romney and Huckabee in support of McCain?

Second main question: Should Flap’s scenario play out, who will be Rudy’s running mate, McCain or Huckabee?

Flap’s bet is Huckabee with McCain as Secretary of Defense.

Stay tuned……