CNN

McCain won the endorsement of the Tampa Tribune.

(CNN) - John McCain won the endorsement of the Tampa Tribune Saturday, a key newspaper in the battleground state of Florida.

The paper, which leans conservative but chose not to endorse a candidate in 2004 over dissatisfaction with President Bush, said the "uncertain times require McCain's tested vigilance."

"McCain brings a lifetime of useful experience, including his grueling captivity in Vietnam and long Senate service. He believes in federalism, a strong defense and disciplined self-interest," the paper wrote. "McCain has been willing to cross party lines to work on tough problems. He co-authored a campaign finance law that failed to fulfill its objective, but he did muster the bipartisan support needed to try to control the buying and selling of public office."

Earlier Saturday, Barack Obama was endorsed by the Miami Herald, another key paper in Florida.

Meanwhile, Barack Obama won the backing of the Philadelphia Inquirer Saturday, but the paper noted the endorsement was not unanimous, and offered praiseworthy editorials of both candidates.

"These times demand steady, focused leadership," the paper wrote of Obama. "Leadership that takes America far from the policies that have created so much fear. Leadership that says it's OK to hope, because hope properly directed yields results. Barack Obama is ready to provide that leadership."

Of McCain, the editorial said, "A President McCain would work across the political aisle. He's done it before, often angering fellow Republicans. And his character is unassailable. The selfless and courageous way he conducted himself during 51/2 years as a POW says much about the man."