Post endorses Kerry

Papers endorsing Kerry, including the New York Times, have a combined circulation of 10.6 million readers, compared to a combined circulation of 6.6 million for papers endorsing Bush, Editor and Publisher said.

Kerry also picked up an endorsement in the Sunday edition of the Chicago Sun-Times, a major regional paper near Midwestern battleground states, Editor and Publisher said. Chicago8217;s other daily, the Tribune, has endorsed Bush.

The Post, which is one of the most influential US papers, said Kerry would manage the federal budget more responsibly than Bush and would better protect healthcare, the environment and civil liberties.

Kerry understands foreign threats and would do a better job of nation-building in Iraq, it said.

The Post8217;s editorial page has supported Bush8217;s decision to go to war in Iraq, but said he did not adequately prepare for reconstruction after Saddam Hussein was defeated. At home, Bush has governed as a heavy-handed Republican partisan and promoted tax cuts at the expense of fiscal health, the Post said.

In 2000, the Post endorsed Democratic candidate Al Gore.