Oregon Public Broadcasting

Newspaper editorial boards in Washington State are weighing-in on the governor’s race.

Republican Dino Rossi snagged the Seattle Times’ backing. Democrat Chris Gregoire picked up the Spokesman Review in Spokane. Correspondent Austin Jenkins reports.

Four newspapers that endorsed Rossi four years ago, are backing Gregoire this year.

They are the Spokesman Review, Tacoma News Tribune, Everett Herald and Vancouver Columbian.

Rossi meanwhile picked up the Seattle Times, Tri-City Herald and Yakima Herald among others. If you’re keeping score, Gregoire has won 10 daily newspaper endorsements to Rossi’s five. But in the information age how much do these endorsements really matter?

John Hughes: “I think they matter, but not as much as they used to.”

John Hughes was the longtime editor and publisher of the Aberdeen Daily World.

John Hughes: “I think the endorsements in the gubernatorial race and all the other races are certainly diluted by the amazing sources of information that people have at their disposal.”

Hughes thinks endorsements may have more influence in down ballot races. That’s where voters are looking for more guidance.