Editorial endorsement hits, misses

Despite the decline in the number of political endorsements made by Midwest newspapers, editorial editors still think the process is a civic duty. There is some disagreement, however, whether or not the endorsements influence voters.

As a foll

ow-up to an article in the fall 2012 issue of Gateway Journalism Review, here is a quick look at a few of the endorsements from some Midwest newspapers as compared to the election results.

Presidential race

Hits:

Tulsa World endorsed Mitt Romney – Oklahoma went to Romney

Chicago Tribune endorsed President Obama – Illinois went to Obama

Misses:

Columbus Dispatch endorsed Romney – Ohio went to Obama

Kansas City Star endorsed Obama – both Kansas and Missouri went to Romney

St. Louis Post Dispatch endorsed Obama – Missouri went to Romney and Illinois to Obama

Governor

Hits:

St. Louis Post Dispatch and Kansas City Star endorsed Jay Nixon (D) over Dave Spence (R)

U.S. Senate

Hits:

Columbus Dispatch endorsed Sherrod Brown (D) over Josh Mandrel (R)

St. Louis Post Dispatch and Kansas City Star endorsed Claire McCaskill (D) over Todd Akin (R)

U.S. House

Hits:

Columbus Dispatch endorsed:

Missouri 3^rd District – Joyce Beatty (D) over Chris Long (R)

Missouri 12^th District – Pat Tiberi (R) over Jim Reese (D)

Missouri 15^th District – Steve Stivers (R) over Pat Lang (D)

St. Louis Post Dispatch endorsed:

Illinois 12^th District – Bill Enyart (D) over Jason Plummer (R)

Missouri 2^nd District – Ann Wagner (R) over Glenn Koenen (D)

Missouri 8^th District – Jo Ann Emerson (R) over Jack Rushin (D)