(CNN) - Five days before New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary, The Boston Globe gave its nod to Republican presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman, saying he offers the Republican Party an opportunity to "renew itself."
"Rather than merely sketch out policies, he articulates goals and ideals," the Massachusetts paper said of the former Utah governor. "The priorities he would set for the country, from leading the world in renewable energy to retooling education and immigration policies to help American high-tech industries, are far-sighted."
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The endorsement comes at a crunch-time boost for Huntsman, who has struggled to break past single digits in political polls of likely voters.
The paper, published in the state that front-runner Mitt Romney governed from 2003 to 2007, compared the two governors, arguing their economic and foreign policy records stand in sharp contrast.
The Globe especially took aim at Romney's attacks on Obama, calling them "hyperbolic." The paper cited Romney claims that the president favors European-style socialism and apologizes for America.
"He's trying to stir up enough dust to suggest a passionate denunciation of Obama without offering a disciplined critique or alternative course," the editorial read.
Meanwhile, the paper stated that Huntsman, who was most recently the U.S. Ambassador to China, is the most suited of the GOP candidates to "promote global economic strength" and security through "peace and prosperity."
"Rather than outline a vision for a safer world," it said, other candidates "signaled a return to Bush-era posturing and disdain for allies who don't blindly serve American interests."
The Boston Globe, the largest newspaper in the mostly Democratic state, also lauded Huntsman's more moderate views on evolution and global warming, two fields in which Huntsman says he relies on science.
"He has stood up far more forcefully than Romney against those in his party who reject evolution and the science behind global warming," the paper said.
- CNN's Ashley Killough and Gregory Wallace contributed to this report.
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From CNN Politics
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It's almost hard to believe that it's a 'brave' thing to do in a Republican primary to stand up for science.
Huntsman should run as a Democrat. He is reasonable and pragmatic. He isn't hateful. He makes a terrible Republican.
Boston Globe is a real new papper.
Why didn't they back Gov Romney ?
That endorsement will not take him too far. After Huntsman finally get out – the Globe will endorse someone else; they know this!!!
Obama 2012!!
AWESOME!!! GO HUNTSMAN GO!!
This deserves to be on the front page!!
Let's see – he actually has specific proposals on issues, he articulates goals and ideals, he hasn't disparaged the other candidates, he isn't afraid to say what he is for and what he is against, and he's been the lone adult in the room of GOP candidates...Nah, he doesn't have a chance, even with this endorsement. Our loss.
The Globe is a far left leaning propaganda rag that's read by very few in MA. I'm not surprised they endorsed Huntsman, what does surprise me is that they endorsed a Republican at all.
the religious right would never allow him in; he makes too much sense.
Awesome news no matter how you look at it! Huntsman might just be the only Republican able to beat Obama – we NEED him.
Yes! It is about time people start learning about the candidate with real ideas and logic instead of the ones that polarize themselves and are bent on attacking each other! Huntsman 2012!
OH no wonder! he articulates goals and ideals...the GOP do not want that.
Huntsman wont win because he is willing to work bi-partisan something no politicians in 2012 can do.
Hes the only Repub I would consider for President..
With a circulation of a 100 or so, this will surely sway the race..
Smart newspaper.....
Huntsman is the only pragmatic conservative Republican that I would consider voting for over Obama. He is not incendiary and his views on both fiscal as well as foreign policy matters are extremely well thought through. He, among all others, is the GOP's best chance to defeat Obama. It is a shame no one is listening.
Good for the Boston Globe.
News agencies and newspapers should not be endorsing candidates.
Huntsman would be the most formidable opponent for President Obama...but can he pass the GOP/Tea Party purity test?
Sadly Huntsman seems to be too rational to be selected. Today being civil and rational is considered too radical for the "main stream."
Finally some rational thought.....
The extreme right will never allow Huntsman to get the nomination. He makes too much sense and uses his head, unlike the rest of the Republican candidates.
The fact that he got the Globe's endorsement should show to Republicans that Independents are for Huntsman. Just because one is conservative does not mean one cannot follow science. If Huntsman was a democrat, he would beat Obama hands down. I am a democrat, and Huntsman is the only Republican I would vote for. He is the only one with a chance of winning.
Does anyone even care what the Boston Globe thinks anymore?