A Virginia newspaper that's endorsed GOP presidential candidates for the last 36 years this time around is backing Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson.

In an editorial, the Richmond Times-Dispatch declares "neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton meets the fundamental moral and professional standards we have every right to expect of an American president."

The editorial board touts Johnson as "a man of good integrity, apparently normal ego and sound ideas," and that at 63, "is also the youngest candidate" and "polling well among truly young voters."

"Johnson’s clear and consistent support for limited government, free enterprise, social tolerance and individual freedom appeals to our own philosophical leanings," the editorial states. "An examination of his policy positions revealed that they often match our longstanding editorial creed."

The endorsement was made final after Johnson, a former Republican governor of New Mexico, sat down with the editorial board last week.

"We are confident that, if given the opportunity to make his case, Gary Johnson will persuade millions of Americans that he is the most capable and ethical candidate running this year," the editorial concluded.

"We endorse him and look forward to a rejuvenating surprise in November — a new birth of freedom."

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