The primary newspaper of record for the state of Virginia, The Richmond Times-Dispatch, has announced its endorsement of Libertarian Gary Johnson for president. Richmond is also the hometown of Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton’s running mate.

The editorial board said ...“there’s no doubt that Johnson belongs in the major leagues, and on the debate stage this fall. He is a skilled and experienced leader, an able communicator, an intelligent man.”



On policy and views, the Times-Dispatch highlighted this quote from Johnson in their interview with him:



“I think we’re reflecting what 60 percent of Americans believe right now, broadly speaking — that being, fiscally conservative, smaller government, combined with being socially inclusive — and combined with a skepticism on our foreign policy, which doesn’t seem to be making things better.”



Wrote the Times-Dispatch, “Much of the country is distressed by the presidential candidates offered by the two conventional political parties. And for good reason. Neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton meets the fundamental moral and professional standards we have every right to expect of an American president. Fortunately, there is a reasonable — and formidable — alternative.”



The full endorsement can be read here.