Jacksonville paper backs Bush, cites war, tax cuts
Associated PressPublished November 1, 2004
JACKSONVILLE - The Florida Times-Union endorsed President Bush's re-election bid Sunday, saying he "had the vision to imagine a foothold of freedom in the repressive world of fanatical Islam and he acted."
The endorsement said Bush's tax cuts helped stimulate job growth and praised Bush's leadership in the removal of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
The Times-Union also described Democratic presidential challenger John Kerry as "a classic, tax-and-spend liberal," and said it had "serious doubt" about the candidate's character.
"He steadfastly has refused to answer the charges of the swift boat veterans, who say that he faked his war record," the Times-Union said.
"Integrity tops intellect and steadfast courage trumps falsified bravery," the Times-Union said. "Bush may not be able to articulate his vision as well as Ronald Reagan, but his deeds surpass his words, which is why we strongly recommend him for another term as president."
The newspaper's circulation area includes two massive naval bases, Jacksonville Naval Air Station and Mayport Naval Station.
Bush also has the editorial backing of the Ocala Star-Banner and the Ledger in Lakeland.
Kerry, however, had the editorial support of many Florida newspapers. A week ago, the Massachusetts senator became the first Democrat in 40 years to be endorsed by the Orlando Sentinel, which wrote it was disappointed in Bush's performance.
Kerry also has been endorsed by the Bradenton Herald, the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Florida Today, the Miami Herald, the Palm Beach Post, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the St. Petersburg Times and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
One of the state's largest papers, the Tampa Tribune, refused to endorse either candidate.