FLorida: Lakeland Ledger endorses Obama. Most surprising.

Unfortunately, change has already come to the presidential campaign of McCain. He initially opposed Bush's tax cuts for high-income Americans because the legislation didn't include matching cuts in spending. However, even with the national debt moving into 14 figures,
maintaining those tax cuts has become a centerpiece of the McCain campaign.
Similarly, he has abandoned his opposition to expansion of offshore drilling, and apparently has softened his position on drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by selecting a vice presidential nominee who leads the GOP cheer "drill, baby, drill!"

McCain touts his military experience - indeed, all Americans are indebted to him for his service and sacrifice - but, on key issues during this campaign, he hasn't provided the discipline needed to avoid reliance on popular-but-misguided policies. Perhaps that is one reason that, according to trustworthy polls, Americans are preparing to change direction by electing a three-year senator.LEADERSHIP EXAMPLEWhat Americans see about Obama daily is the disciplined success of his campaign, potentially the most effective in presidential history, and the sureness of its leader, who was unflappable in the televised presidential debates. It is only a small step for voters to conclude: "Our country should run so well. Our president should lead so reliably."

It is such realizations that make the choice of Obama for president clear.

...."Obama has displayed presidential temperament under the intense fire of a tough campaign. It's a leap of faith to support a candidate with so little political experience. But the leadership skills Obama has demonstrated, his clear-and-steadfast approach and his ideas for improving on our nation's reckless entry into the 21st century - "The last eight years haven't worked very well, have they?" - pose the lesser risk and offer the greatest potential for the nation. His commitment to find common ground on issues will bode him well, and we encourage him to stick by it for the good of the nation.

The Ledger recommends Barack Obama and Joe Biden for president and vice president.