An Arizona newspaper announced it would no longer endorse candidates for public office.
The Arizona Republic on Monday explained its decision, which it said was under consideration for several years. The newspaper said focus groups and online surveys revealed that “endorsements alienate [readers] and blur the way they view our news stories.”
*Some editorial news* The Arizona Republic will no longer endorse candidates for public office.
Our readers have made it clear: You want to be informed about elections but not told how to vote.
We hear you. https://t.co/w4hmI3zEj0
— azcentral (@azcentral) February 26, 2020
The Phoenix-based publication made headlines during the 2016 presidential election when for the first time in its 126 year history it recommended a Democratic presidential candidate.
The importance of disagreeing with others in “responsible ways” was another point brought up within the article.
“In the months and years to come, The Republic Opinions pages will fight to preserve the public space for responsible people to express their views,” the organization said. “We will defend speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment and challenge those individuals and political movements that would deny them.”
“This newspaper is stepping back from picking sides in candidate elections, but we won’t stand down from our important role of encouraging, inspiring and leading the important discussions essential to a free society and a better community.”
This is the second news organization in the past 10 days to break from tradition. On Feb. 16, the Dallas Morning News announced that instead of making a presidential recommendation or choosing one candidate, it will “endorse ideas” and “offer a vision for the country.”
the @dallasnews editorial board is breaking from tradition this year: it will not be recommending a candidate for president in 2020.
here’s more on their reasoning: https://t.co/rsmRVRqiMH pic.twitter.com/i3dNJhWWWk
— mallorie sullivan ✨ (@malloriesullivn) February 16, 2020
Meanwhile, the New York Times plans to be more “transparent” in their endorsement process this year. The paper made its candidate interview process public. The editorial board decided to endorse Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Amy Klobuchar, a rare instance of splitting its ticket on endorsements. Klobuchar also won the backing of several New England newspaper editorial boards.
Despite the significant endorsements, Klobuchar came in third behind fellow candidates Sen. Bernie Sanders and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg in the New Hampshire primary.
