Collected below are excerpts of newspaper endorsements backing Republican George W. Bush for the White House. A link to the full text is provided when the editorial is still available online free of charge. Recently added:
• The Birmingham News
• Denver Rocky Mountain News
• Chicago Sun-Times
• Chicago Tribune
• The Indianapolis Star
• The Orlando Sentinel

• Atlanta Journal: "More important than their approaches to any specific topics, however, are the differences between the two on two more fundamental matters. Here, the distinctions are dramatic and of far more consequence to the future of our nation. ...If we want to live in a country where personal responsibility is valued and individual freedoms are protected, we need to go to the polls on Nov. 7 and vote for George W. Bush." (Atlanta, Ga., 10/19/00)

• Austin American-Statesman: "The Republican Texas governor has demonstrated the rare combination of humanity, humility and leadership in using the limited power of his office to lead and push a dynamic and growing state with grace, dignity and confidence. Has he done everything right? Of course not. Whatever our disagreements with the governor on policy matters—and there have been some—we know him and we respect him. Moreover, we trust him." (Austin, Tex., 10/22/00)

• The Birmingham News: "For those paying attention, the differences between the two candidates are stark, both on a personal and policy level. That's why George W. Bush should be the next president of the United States. ...Gore's propensity to prevaricate shouldn't be ignored. It's troubling when a candidate has a hard time telling the truth, especially after it's become a campaign issue. ...In contrast, Bush is an honorable man who means what he says. ...But the biggest difference that separates the two candidates is their philosophy. Bush trusts people; Gore trusts government." (Birmingham, Ala., 10/29/00)

• Chattanooga Times & Free Press: "Mr. Gore is a man of extensive experience in government, and is intelligent and vigorous. Unfortunately, he has been a cheerleader for and an uncritical ally of one of the most disreputable presidents in history—evaluating him "one of our greatest presidents...Gov. Bush has better judgment, sounder principles and greater credibility." (Chattanooga, Tenn., 10/22/00)

• Chicago Sun-Times: "...our grueling and often criticized political machinery has produced two men of appealing character and judgment who offer competing views of where they would take the country. One sees an energized federal government taking a bigger hand in the economic and personal lives of Americans. The other believes democracy means that decisions about their lives should reside with the people. Our choice is for the latter view, the one espoused by George W. Bush. ...Throughout the campaign, Bush has sounded a conciliatory tone, avoiding the ugly culture wars of recent years and promising to work across party lines for unity. His election would mean a clean slate in Washington." (Chicago, Ill., 10/29/00)

• Chicago Tribune: "Bush would be far less patient with public schools that persistently fail; he also would recognize that innovation is nurtured and achieved from the local level up, not dictated from Washington. Gore would expand a failing Medicare system, but essentially not change it to significantly prolong its life. Bush would venture an overhaul and encourage cost containment through competition. ...Bush has offered solutions to problems. He has, to his credit, not given the impression that he has the last word on every problem to confront government. He would listen." (Chicago, Ill., 10/29/00)

• The Columbus Dispatch: "The Dispatch urges Ohio voters to cast their ballots for George W. Bush on Nov. 7. Bush believes that Americans ought to control their own lives and money and that government should be the last resort, not the first, when problems must be solved." (Columbus, Ohio, 10/22/00)

• The Dallas Morning News: "The modern presidency may compete with Wall Street, Silicon Valley, state capitals and even Hollywood to shape American society. But the nation still needs a president who can build bipartisan relationships, restore honor to the White House and promote a responsible agenda. George W. Bush could bring change on each of these fronts." (Dallas, Tex., 10/22/00)

• Denver Rocky Mountain News: "Al Gore, as vice president in the Clinton administration, cannot be held to blame for the worst deeds of the president. Indeed, Gore has much to commend him. He is an alert, capable public servant. He has nevertheless been peculiarly given to excess, both before this campaign and during it. ..More than anything else, however, Gore has been excessive in his government-enlarging promises. For every problem and some non-problems, he has a multibillion-dollar spending plan. In all, he has called for 66 new or expanded programs. He just cannot do all of this, and if he were to pull it off, the economy would suffer." (Denver, Colo., 10/29/00)

• The Detroit News: "The nation is enjoying the legacy of government restraint initiated by President Ronald Reagan. But we can’t expect to coast on the current prosperity. Prudent management and discipline are needed in Washington. If our leaders become drunk on the surplus and launch a massive new spending spree, we very likely will find ourselves once again facing deficits and a stagnant economy. George W. Bush has the commitment, vision and courage necessary to keep America growing." (Detroit, Mich., 10/22/00)

• Herald-Journal: "Bush has a record of working across party lines. He has a leadership style that can unite different factions in a cooperative manner that will renew public confidence in the government. ...Gore's part in the corruption and various scandals of the Clinton administration cannot be ignored. His exaggerations and fabrications during this campaign also cast doubts on his character. Americans do not need another four years of a president lying to them." (Spartanburg, S.C., 10/22/00)

• The Indianapolis Star: "Despite their foibles, both candidates are qualified for the job. The question each voter must decide is: Which candidate offers the more compelling vision for the future? On that basis, The Star endorses George W. Bush for president. He offers the sounder vision for the nation ... Bush has proven himself to be an honest man. We need a president in whom we can have confidence that he will always tell us the truth. George W. Bush would restore integrity to the White House." (Indianapolis, Ind., 10/29/00)

• Las Vegas Review-Journal: "The new economy and the new century demand a new vision. On issues including entitlements, education, tax policy, the environment, and the role of the federal government, Mr. Bush has put forth innovative proposals that break from the typical beltway perspective. Mr. Gore has largely embraced the status quo." (Las Vegas, Nev., 10/22/00)

• Lincoln Journal Star: "There also is a clear difference between the candidates when it comes to credibility. Gore's error-plagued anecdotes are only the tip of a deeper problem. Disagree with Bush if you must, but his political philosophy has remained constant. Gore, however, was pro-life, resisted gun control and supported tobacco interests when he was a congressman from conservative Tennessee. Today, seeking the presidency, he is a pro-choice, anti-tobacco gun control advocate. ...On balance, George W. Bush offers a blend of sound political values, capable leadership and trustworthiness." (Lincoln, Neb., 10/23/00)

• New York Post: "Most of all, Americans need to be shielded from dissembling politicians—candidates who promise integrity and deliver moral squalor. It's time to say: Enough! Materially, America is doing well. ...However, integrity counts, too. Bill Clinton isn't the first president to dishonor the White House, but he's the first do it so banally - and the first to be adjudicated a perjurer while in office. And Al Gore—whose own troubles with the truth have become the stuff of legend—considers Clinton to be one of the best presidents ever. ...George W. Bush—by virtue of experience, temperament, worldview and integrity—is by far the superior candidate in this race." (New York, N.Y., 10/23/00)

• Omaha World-Herald: "Certainly few people in public life can rattle on as long about public policy, or in such great depth, as can the vice president. But Bush, although sometimes less smooth in discussing policy details, clearly knows enough to lead—and knows how to lead. The country needs a president who could win the trust of the people—all the people—and lead them wisely in time of crisis. George W. Bush would be such a president." (Omaha, Neb., 10/22/00)

• The Oregonian: "Neither candidate in this campaign has captured the public imagination the way a Roosevelt, Kennedy or Reagan might. But on a range of topics, and in a variety of ways, we think Bush has shown he has the intellect, character, fortitude and talent to be a better president." (Portland, Ore., 10/22/00)

• The Orlando Sentinel: "Americans, though, are detached from—some even disgusted by—the government that presides over such good times. Coarse behavior, infantile squabbling and naked greed at the top have undermined people's trust in their government. That must change. The nation needs a leader who can bring people together, who can stand firm on principle but knows the art of compromise. America needs a president who is willing to serve as a role model for all its citizens. The Orlando Sentinel trusts Texas Gov. George W. Bush to take on those weighty responsibilities." (Orlando, Fla., 10/29/00)

• The Plain Dealer: "...Bush possesses a quality his opponent, Al Gore, cannot claim: authenticity. After nearly eight years of the Clinton-Gore administration, we believe Americans long for leadership that will not hide behind the absence of a 'controlling legal authority' to justify its actions. In George W. Bush, America has such a candidate. This straight-talking Texan brings a promise of political and ethical constancy that Gore simply cannot match. ...We have had enough fighting in Washington. America cries for a coming together - for leadership that will reason across party lines to answer the needs of our schools, our elderly, our infirm and our future." (Cleveland, Ohio, 10/22/00)

• Richmond Times-Dispatch: "George Bush is vastly better than the alternative on character, philosophy, and the issues. What's more, in Texas, where he is wildly popular, he has demonstrated amply that he can succeed. Al Gore, a central player in the most miserable administration in modern times, goes around pledging to do what he and the Clintons have failed to do in eight years—or to reverse the deterioration they permitted. It's time, past time, for these disreputables and incompetents to go. Vote Bush." (Richmond, Va., 10/22/00)

• San Antonio Express-News: "But perhaps the most important change Bush offers the nation is his dedication to ending the taint of scandal that has plagued the White House during the Clinton-Gore administration ... Bush has vowed to bring honor and respect back to the White House. That would be a welcome, overdue change, advancing the cause of bipartisan cooperation among government leaders on the issues truly important to Americans." (San Antonio, Tex., 10/22/00)

• The Seattle Times: "How Bush became the candidate of this editorial page that endorsed Michael Dukakis, Bill Clinton and ... the fledgling campaign of Sen. Bill Bradley, is a tale of this political year ... Bush has emerged as the superior candidate. Much about him is unknown and much about him remains untested in national office. But in the end, this was not a decision based on offices held or promises made, it was about the qualities Americans need and deserve in those who hold public trust." (Seattle, Wash., 10/22/00)

• St. Paul Pioneer Press: "Our view is that Bush has emerged as the more energetic, creative, unifying leader, eager to challenge habitual assumptions of his party and his nation and seek out practical compromise solutions to the complex problems confronting America." (Minneapolis, Minn., 10/15/00)

• The Union Leader: "Bush casually mentioned that Colin Powell, Condoleeza Rice, and Larry Lindsey are already advising his campaign. Then Bush pointed to ... vice presidential candidate Dick Cheney. If Bush’s Cabinet members are men and women as solid and professional as those four, this country will once again be led by honorable, patriotic adults. That prospect alone is reason enough to vote for Bush." (Manchester, N.H., 10/22/00)

• The Washington Times: "Texas Gov. George W. Bush far surpasses Vice President Al Gore whether the qualifications are measured in terms of political priorities, leadership, personal character, governmental philosophies or vision of the future. On issue after issue ... Mr. Bush offers the correct approach to the problems confronting America." (Washington, D.C., 10/20/00)

Jason Thompson can be reached at jason.thompson@washingtonpost.com. Early Returns runs Monday-Thursday.