The Detroit News endorses Romney

(CNN) – The Detroit News, one of the largest newspapers in Mitt Romney’s native state of Michigan, endorsed the Republican presidential candidate on Wednesday, just days before the state’s critical primary. “Mitt Romney stands alone among the Republican primary field as the candidate capable of winning the White House, and more importantly, of leading the nation to a prosperous future,” the editorial read. CNN LIVE: Tune in Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET for the last presidential debate before Super Tuesday, the CNN/Arizona Republican Party Debate hosted by John King. Follow it on Twitter at #CNNDebate and on Facebook at CNN Politics. For real-time coverage of the Arizona and Michigan primaries, go to CNNPolitics.com or to the CNN apps or CNN mobile web site . – Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker The former Massachusetts governor has planted his flag in the Wolverine State, where his father once served as governor. His campaign and a pro-Romney super PAC have purchased major ad buys to combat his chief rival, Rick Santorum, who has enjoyed a recent surge in popularity. Several polls show the two candidates in a heated race in the state. The newspaper comes as a boost for Romney before Michigan voters head to the polls on Tuesday. The editorial praised Romney as the most qualified and electable candidate, citing his corporate experience at Bain Capital, a private equity firm. While the editorial board took issue with Romney’s 2008 opposition to the so-called auto bailouts–funds the newspaper deemed “absolutely essential to the survival” of the auto industry–the board said it was not a “differentiator issue,” as all four of the remaining GOP candidates opposed the bailouts. “But if America is to avoid financial catastrophe, the next president must be willing to downsize government, jettison some of its operations and slash a federal work force that has grown by 12 percent over the past four years,” the board said. “Romney is best equipped for that task.” As for Santorum, the paper said Republicans are “delusional” if they think the former Pennsylvania senator could defeat President Barack Obama in November. Pointing to his failed re-election bid in 2006 and his recent rhetoric on social issues, the editorial board said “nothing in his background suggests he has the skills to unify Americans behind his banner and become the leader of the free world.” Also see: Graham clarifies remarks on Obama’s faith New Poll: All knotted up in Michigan Support from men and evangelicals boosts Santorum nationally

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The Detroit News endorses Romney