Romney picks up Cincinnati Enquirer endorsement

The Cincinnati Enquirer on Saturday endorsed Mitt Romney in the Republican presidential primary.

The paper's editorial board called for Republicans to end the hard-fought primary contest by getting behind the candidate who can "represent the GOP mainstream."

The endorsement opens with:

Republican voters can no longer ignore the obvious: There is only one GOP candidate for president who has the temperament, character and discipline to lead the nation. One candidate with the business experience and management skills befitting a chief executive. One candidate who can appeal to a broad enough spectrum of voters to win in November. That candidate is Mitt Romney.

The paper was less than enthusiastic about the three remaining Republicans in the race.

Newt Gingrich exists in a rhetorical ionosphere and carries more baggage than a fleet of Greyhound buses.

Ron Paul, bless him, is more focused on advancing his libertarian views and elevating the national debate than in becoming president.

Then there’s Rick Santorum. The last-standing in a series of “anybody-but-Mitt” frontrunners has been exposed in recent days for views that may be heartfelt but miss the mainstream by a mile.

Romeny was also endorsed by the Cleveland Plain Dealer on Saturday.

Michigan is the top prize on Super Tuesday, when 10 states will hold nominating contests.