Story highlights The newspaper called the Libertarian ticket "agile" and "practical"

The Detroit News endorsed Johnson earlier this week

Washington (CNN) The Chicago Tribune, a Windy City newspaper that historically backs Republican candidates, endorsed Libertarian Gary Johnson on Friday calling him "practical," "agile" and "experienced."

"Libertarians Gary Johnson of New Mexico and running mate William Weld of Massachusetts are agile, practical and, unlike the major-party candidates, experienced at managing governments," the paper said. "They offer an agenda that appeals not only to the Tribune's principles but to those of the many Americans who say they are socially tolerant but fiscally responsible."

The Tribune has a long history of supporting Republican presidential candidates and did not endorse a Democrat for president until 2008 when then-Illinois Senator Barack Obama ran for president. They also endorsed Obama's re-election in 2012.

While the Johnson endorsement might be a hit for Illinois native Hillary Clinton, the refusal to back this year's Republican nominee also speaks to the paper's lack of support for Donald Trump.

The paper suggested that both Trump and Clinton have appealed to voters whose beliefs are not in the best interest of all Americans.

Read More