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__ Endorsement Watch __ Throughout the next two weeks, Early Returns will report on the latest editorial endorsements in notable House, Senate and governor's races. For the latest presidential endorsements: • Vice President Gore • Gov. George W. Bush
__ More Campaign Coverage __ • Howard Kurtz's Media Notes • CQ Races to Watch

Vice President Gore and Texas Gov. George W. Bush are not the only candidates receiving editorial board support in the waning days of Election 2000.

Collected below are excerpts from and links for newspaper editorials backing political candidates in the following races:
• Fla. Senate
• N.H. Governor
• Calif. 27th District
• Minn. Senate
• Pa. 4th District
• Calif. 15th District
• Ky. 6th District

Fla. Senate
Rep. Bill McCollum (R) v. Bill Nelson (D)

Miami Herald: "The two major parties have nominated worthy men to battle for the office. The differences between them on many issues are wide and clear. But of the two, Bill Nelson, currently Florida's insurance commissioner and a former 12-year veteran of Congress, is best suited by temperament and issues to represent all Floridians." (Miami, Fla., 10/22/00)

Orlando Sentinel: "Mr. Nelson easily discusses solutions to the most complex economic and financial issues facing this country. As one example, he supports limited tax cuts, preferring to pay down the federal debt and fix Social Security and Medicare. That's a sensible, minding-the-store approach that voters can appreciate in the Democrats' race for United States Senate." (Orlando, Fla., 10/22/00)

St. Petersburg Times: "...Democrat Bill Nelson fits the Florida mold of responsible moderation. Nelson brings to the race not only 12 competent prior years in Congress, but the six most recent years as Florida's treasurer and insurance commissioner, where he has proved himself in battle with special interests. His Republican opponent, U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum, has been too doctrinaire throughout his 20 years in Congress—where he preached but did not practice term limits—and his conservatism has been less compassionate than cruel. He has been conspicuously indulgent toward special interests, especially banking and the gun lobby." (St. Petersburg, Fla., 10/18/00)

N.H. Governor
Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D) v. Gordon Humphrey (R)

The Boston Globe: "Jeanne Shaheen's four years as governor of New Hampshire have been marked by economic growth, greater access to public kindergarten, and expanded health-insurance coverage for childen. Her signal failure has been the weak leadership she has provided on improving the state's unfair system of financing public schools...With Jeanne Shaheen, voters are more sure of what they are getting: a down-to-earth, pragmatic problem-solver...(She) deserves another term in Concord." (Boston, Mass., 10/22/00)

The Union Leader: "This election is about whether we will have a huge new tax, most likely an income tax, which is certain to happen under Gov. Shaheen; or whether we will put New Hampshire back on track, under an experienced, no-nonsense governor like Gordon Humphrey, who isn’t afraid to lead...It is your choice, New Hampshire. It is also your last chance." (Manchester, N.H., 10/22/00)

Calif. 27th District
Rep. James Rogan (R) v. Adam Schiff (D)

Los Angeles Times "The (race) has drawn national attention and millions of campaign dollars, largely because of Rogan's bulldog role as one of the House managers of the impeachment case against President Clinton. Rogan insists he kept an open mind on the impeachment issue until just before the House vote, but he could have better used that time serving the needs of his district...Schiff, his opponent, has been an able leader in Sacramento as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is more in tune with the needs of this Pasadena-Glendale-area district. We urge a vote for Schiff." (Los Angeles, Calif., 10/22/00)

Minn. Senate
Sen. Rod Grams (R) v. Mark Dayton (D)

St. Paul Pioneer Press "Rarely has this newspaper chosen not to offer a recommendation in a major political contest facing Minnesota voters. This fall, we are making an exception. The vagaries of politics and the awkward position of being a plaintiff in a lawsuit against one of the candidates have combined to convince us that 'no endorsement' in Minnesota's U.S. Senate race is the only decision we can make." (St. Paul, Minn., 10/22/00)

Fargo Forum "Minnesotans should re-elect Sen. Rod Grams to another term. The Republican lawmaker’s conservative approach to most issues offers the state a needed counter-weight to the left wing occupied by Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn. Grams tends to think in terms of less government; Wellstone wants more. But the Democratic senator aside, Grams has matured in office. He’s become a more thoughtful, more engaged senator. While we don’t agree with everything he espouses, he is more in step with the needs of Minnesota and the nation than his opponent, department store heir Mark Dayton." (Fargo, N.D., 10/22/00)

Pa. 4th District
Melissa Hart (R) v. Terry Van Horne (D)

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Hart has done much for Pittsburgh and the region in her 10 years in the state Senate. She has fought for economic recovery, downtown revitalization and, though unpopular with some, using public funds when necessary to make key community investments. She has enthusiasm, drive and likability. But her conservative voting record, played out in Washington, could be just what the economically struggling 4th District does not need. ...This is a tough choice for voters who live in the 4th District. ...But the Post-Gazette has watched both candidates closely for years, and we give the edge—and our endorsement—to Terry Van Horne." (Pittsburgh, Pa., 10/22/00)

Calif. 15th District
Jim Cunneen (R) v. Mike Honda (D)

San Jose Mercury News "In their increasingly negative TV ads and mailings, Honda and Cunneen have been drawing big differences from minor distinctions. You'd never know that in terms of most domestic issues, voters could flip a coin to choose between them. Both hold a similar commitment to abortion rights, gun control, health care and education. It is in the area of leadership—a demonstrated ability to get things done, a capacity to serve in Congress, and a willingness to take strong stands in opposition to party leadership—that the differences become plain, and the choice becomes clear. That is why we recommend Jim Cunneen's election." (San Jose, Calif., 10/13/00)

Ky. 6th District
Rep. Ernie Fletcher (R) v. Scotty Baesler (D)

Lexington Herald-Leader "Rep. Ernie Fletcher, in his first term of office, has worked hard for the district and has begun building a reputation as a reasonable moderate in the Republican Congress. ...But Baesler, the former Lexington mayor who served three terms in the House before narrowly losing a Senate bid, is far more experienced. Not just in the number of years, but in the quality of his service. With changes expected in health care and Social Security, Kentucky could use him in Washington, especially if the Democrats regain control of the House." (San Jose, Calif., 10/13/00)

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