The Union Leader of New Hampshire on Wednesday broke an over-100-year-old tradition of backing GOP presidential picks — denouncing Donald Trump as a "liar" and endorsing Libertarian Gary Johnson.

In an editorial, the publisher of the staunchly conservative outlet, Joseph McQuaid, who endorsed N.J. Gov. Chris Christie in the state's presidential primary last year, writes voters are "fed up with the status quo, of which [Hillary] Clinton is a prime example."

"But they kid themselves if they think Trump isn’t pretty much a part of that status quo as well, or that he is in any way qualified to competently lead this nation," writes McQuaid, who has been sharply critical of Trump.

"The man is a liar, a bully, a buffoon. He denigrates any individual or group that displeases him. He has dishonored military veterans and their families, made fun of the physically frail, and changed political views almost as often as he has changed wives."

"Americans are being told that we have to choose the lesser of two evils," he continued. "No, we don’t."

McQuaid praised the records of Johnson and running mate Bill Weld, adding, "In today’s dark times, they are a bright light of hope and reason. The Union Leader and Sunday News endorse them."

The editorial will appear on the front page of the Union Leader Thursday, when Trump returns to the state to campaign, The New York Times reports.



The Times notes the endorsement of The Union Leader could give Johnson a boost in the Libertarian-leaning state – and possibly drain votes from both Trump and Clinton.