More newspapers endorse McCain

The Associated Press is keeping track of newspaper endorsements in the presidential race. Here is a sampling of endorsements for John McCain:

The (Winter Haven, Fla.) News Chief:

"Barack Obama is a man of great appeal, rhetorical flourishes, little political experience and left-leaning tendencies. In contrast, John McCain is far less eloquent, but he's experienced, he's proven in a fight and he's on target on important U.S. policies regarding taxes, spending, trade, energy and national security.

"Given the choice, we much prefer substance over style and experience over risky idealism. We prefer and recommend John McCain for president of the United States."

The (Lynchburg, Va.) News & Advance:

"With the economic and foreign policy crises looming in wait for the next occupant of the White House, it is McCain's bipartisan, common-sense approach to problem-solving that this nation needs. Challenges such as Iraq, the global financial crisis and the war on terror demand a leader who has the ability to reach across the ideological divide in Washington. Only John McCain has that track record as a national leader."

The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman:

"McCain would hold the line on taxes, freeze most government spending and trust Americans' ingenuity to revive the faltering economy. He would nominate judges to the courts who respect the difference between the legislative and judicial functions. He would correct many of the mistakes of the past eight years and provide a valuable check for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

"Yet in a sense, all are secondary to the unique obligation a president bears to provide crisis leadership. McCain is older and, we think, wiser in the ways of the world. He has seen much more of it than his younger opponent. His real-world experience goes beyond the world of politics. He has seen evil up close and knows the horror of war."

The Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel:

"Barack Obama and John McCain are both good men. Either would be a worthy president of the United States. ...

"An Obama election would create a mandate-bearing, one-party government, not necessarily a good thing in recent United States history. The hubris of Republican rule during Bush II or Democratic rule during the Johnson administration are scary precedents.

"The importance of maintaining the checks and balances of divided government is, in the end, the best argument for John McCain.

The (Fort Smith, Ark.) Southwest Times Record:

"In the end, we believe McCain not only has the experience but the mettle and resolve to do what is right for America. We do not believe Obama hangs around with terrorists or that he has socialistic policies or that he shuns the Bible or the flag or the national anthem or that he is dangerous or sinister or that he is anything but a fine individual who would put the nation first. We just happen to believe that between the two of them, John McCain is the better candidate, particularly at this extraordinary juncture in our nation's history, and we support his candidacy for president of the United States."

The Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World:

"McCain says if he is elected, he will crack down, demand performance and change the way elected officials carry out their responsibilities. He believes our system of government is the best in the world, and his call for "change" refers to preserving and strengthening this system, to clean and correct the abuses, not change our historic system of government. Free enterprise, capitalism, the limited role of government in the lives of Americans, the right for secret votes on matters such as union representation, a tax schedule that encourages growth and private ownership, all are important.

"He has made it clear that if he is elected, changes will be made in Washington."

The Cecil Whig of Elkton, Md.:

"At this crossroads to the future, we believe the choice is clear. In one direction lies inexperience, uncertainty, and bigger government as a 'solution' to our problems. The other road is just as difficult, but the man to take us down it has a proven record of leadership and good judgment, of a steady hand on the wheel. That man is John McCain."