A growing number of conservative newspaper editorial boards are breaking long-standing traditions and endorsing Democrat Hillary Clinton, Libertarian Gary Johnson, or no one at all.

The Detroit News on Thursday backed Johnson, marking the first time in the newspaper’s 143-year history its’ editorial board did not endorse a Republican.

“We abandon that long and estimable tradition this year for one reason: Donald J. Trump,” the paper wrote.

Trump’s candidacy has put conservative editorial boards in the same position many Republican lawmakers and voters also find themselves. They are forced to choose between a GOP presidential nominee whose unpalatable temperament and lack of policy specifics are disqualifying for a potential commander-in-chief, a flawed Democratic alternative, or a third-party option with little chance of winning.

On Tuesday, the Arizona Republic — for the first time since the publication began in 1890 — backed the Democratic presidential candidate over the Republican.

“Despite her flaws, Clinton is the superior choice,” the paper wrote. “She does not casually say things that embolden our adversaries and frighten our allies. Her approach to governance is mature, confident and rational.”

 

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source: http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/conservative-newspapers-breaking-tradition-abandon-trump-n656911