NY Times endorses Dem McGinty in Pa. Senate race

The New York Times on Friday endorsed Democrat Katie McGinty in her race against incumbent Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.)

{mosads}“Mr. Toomey portrays Ms. McGinty as a sure rubber-stamp for Hillary Clinton,” the newspaper’s editorial board wrote.

“Our own take is that [McGinty] has an independent streak that would place her state’s interest before fealty. In any case, she is clearly the much better choice for anyone concerned about social and economic fairness.”

The Times applauded Toomey’s work on gun safety legislation after the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting before asking why he won’t stand up to GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

“But political courage does not seem to be his strong suit,” the newspaper said of Toomey.

“He says, for instance, that Mr. Trump’s charges of widespread vote rigging are totally false and that Mr. Trump is a ‘badly flawed’ candidate. But he can’t say whether he will support Mr. Trump for president.”

Toomey has a slim 2-point lead over McGinty, according to RealClearPolitics polling average.

Pennsylvania’s race could be the key to determining who controls the Senate. Democrats need to net five seats — or four if they keep the White House — to reclaim control of the upper chamber.

Despite Toomey’s lead in the Senate race, Clinton is 6 points ahead of Trump in Pennsylvania, according to RCP’s polling average.