Top Arizona newspaper backs Kasich ahead of primary

The Arizona Republic, a highly influential newspaper in the state, is backing underdog John Kasich ahead of the its winner-take-all Republican presidential primary on Tuesday.

In endorsing the Ohio governor, the newspaper on Friday pushed back strongly against Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, the two GOP front-runners.

{mosads}”The Arizona Republic has long endorsed candidates for president, but this year we are more animated by the candidates we oppose than those we support,” the editorial reads.

The editorial board speaks of a presidential hopeful embodying unity, possessing deep knowledge of issues and showing dignity and good judgement, among other attributes.

“Donald Trump fails every one of these criteria,” they state, adding that Trump “is not worthy of the presidency” and is “dangerous,” citing Trump fanning scuffles at his rallies.

The newspaper says that Trump and Cruz’s calls to deport the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants currently residing in the U.S. “disqualifies” them to be president.

It also bashes Cruz as “one of the most unlikeable politicians in Washington” and suggests he wants to “pick the lock on your bedroom door” on social issues among other criticisms.

Meanwhile, they praised Kasich as “the ideal” presidential hopeful, saying, “boring is beautiful.”

Kasich is hoping for a contested convention in July, as he’s mathematically unable to reach the required number of delegates, 1,237, before then. Trump is currently closest with 678 delegates, according to the AP.

There are 58 delegates up for grabs on Tuesday in Arizona, where recent polls have found Trump up double digits, while candidates are also competing for another 40 delegates in Utah.