Story highlights "Agree or disagree with Marco Rubio on various issues, he offers Illinois voters the framework of a presidency that realistically could exist," the paper said

"We like his youth, his bilingual fluency and the fact that he isn't one more Republican who's been standing in line, awaiting his turn to run," the editorial board said

Washington (CNN) The Chicago Tribune endorsed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio in the Republican race for president on Wednesday but refused to endorse a Democratic candidate.

"Agree or disagree with Marco Rubio on various issues, he offers Illinois voters the framework of a presidency that realistically could exist," the paper's editorial board wrote

But it had less praise for Illinois native Hillary Clinton and her Democratic rival Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

"Our custom is to offer primary election endorsements to candidates of both major parties. But the 2016 race confronts Illinois voters with uncommon dangers, because so many candidates are playing with fire," the editorial said.

The Illinois Republican and Democratic primaries are Tuesday.

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