So says the blurb at the R-J website:

In Thursday's Review-Journal, the editorial board recommends Republicans in the Saturday caucuses support the candidacy of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. The board notes his positions and experience give him an edge in a field of worthy and viable Republican candidates.

Normally, a newspaper endorsement isn't worth too much - but it might make a strong difference in Nevada on Saturday. This is because we've never done this before, as a State, and while a lot of people are interested, the plain fact of the matter is that most Nevadans haven't been paying close attention to the race - I get queries all the time from people I work with on what this, that or the other thing is about; yesterday's question was "who is Ron Paul?". Questions that basic indicate a lack of detailed knowledge - and a lot of people might take the R-J's endorsement as the deciding factor in whom they choose to support on Saturday.

As for me, I've finally made my decision - I'll back Fred Thompson, with Mitt Romney as my second choice. Why is this?

While Romney has excellent credentials to be President, I do believe that Fred Thompson is both the stronger conservative as well as being the man best able to articulate the conservative position to the American electorate. In my view, it isn't a matter of whether we are right or not - we are - but who is best at advancing the argument in the arena of American politics. Its takes a fine touch to be a great communicator - and I doubt we'll have another like Reagan in our lifetime - and Thompson has that touch.

As for Thompson's conservatism vs Romney's - I think a lot of the "flip flopper" tag placed on Romney is bogus, but there is the plain fact of the matter that as Massachusetts governor, Romney did have to toe a far more liberal line than Thompson did as a Senator from Tennessee. I do believe that people can change their views - heck, I was once pro-choice to a certain extent - so I don't put "flip flop" on someone because ten years ago they had a different opinion than they have today. On the other hand, as I consider the life issue crucial to America's future, I'm always going to go for the candidate who has a better record on this, all else being equal. And Thompson has that better record.

So, its off to the caususes for me, and I'll be backing Thompson, wtih Romney as second choice.

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