New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's campaign, which has struggled to gain traction in the crowded Republican primary, received a major boost over the weekend, obtaining an endorsement from one of New Hampshire's leading newspapers, the New Hampshire Union Leader.
In Sunday's edition of the paper, publisher Joseph McQuaid wrote in an endorsement for Christie: "In just 10 weeks, New Hampshire will make a choice that will profoundly affect our country and the world. We better get it right. Our choice is Gov. Chris Christie."
While endorsing him, Christie was described as a "solid, pro-life conservative who has managed to govern in liberal New Jersey, face down the big public unions, and win a second term."
The paper has historically supported Republican candidates in the polls, but this time around took jabs at other candidates such as Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), noting that America finds itself in its current situation because of high-ranking government officials and presidential elects who are still inexperienced, according to the Hill.
"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.
The paper also targeted political outsiders like Donald Trump and Ben Carson, noting that while they've gained public attention due to not being "P.C." they don't really know what they're taking about.
"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," McQuaid continued.
"Gov. Chris Christie is exactly the conservative Republican needed to take the fight to Hillary Clinton next fall and then get about the serious business of defending us and rebuilding our economy," McQuaid concluded.
The Union Leader's endorsement comes at a critical time for Christie and can make a major difference in the primary based on past experience. Though he ultimately lost the bid for the nomination to former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, former Speaker Newt Ginrich got the endorsement in 2012, and saw a bump in the polls, reported Reuters. Conversely, the publication also endorsed Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in 2008, who wound up receiving the nomination.
Since starting his campaign over the summer, Christie has been polling in the signle digits in both national and statewide polls, numbers that have recently prevented him from making the main debate stage at the last Republican presidential debate.
