While much of the talk about the Republican race in recent weeks has been focused on whether former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee could take on poll leaders Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney, Arizona Senator John McCain has quietly been gaining ground. But this weekend he stole much of the spotlight by earning highly coveted newspaper endorsements – the Des Moines Register in Iowa, the Portsmouth Herald in New Hampshire, and the Boston Globe. Although in Massachusetts, Boston is close to New Hampshire and many people who work in Boston commute from New Hampshire. McCain also received an endorsement from the New Hampshire Union Leader newspaper a few weeks ago.

Today, in what might be the most surprising endorsement of this electoral season, McCain gained the support of Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman — as in 2000 Democratic vice-presidential candidate Joe Lieberman.

“I know that it is unusual for someone who is not a Republican to endorse a Republican candidate for President,” Lieberman said. “In this critical election, no one should let party lines be a barrier to choosing the person we believe is best qualified to lead our nation forward.” Lieberman became an Independent in 2006, but he caucuses with the Democrats in Congress.

These endorsements cite the Arizona senator’s experience as one of the main reasons for supporting him. Who would you prefer - a leader with experience or one with new ideas? Let us know by participating in USINFO’s Elections Quick Poll.

Learn more about endoresements here.