Calling him “best prepared to advance the interests of the people of Illinois,” the Southern Illinoisan newspaper today endorsed State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias for U.S. Senate.

The Southern noted Giannoulias’ ability to work in a bipartisan manner and supported his vision to create private sector jobs through federally funding of infrastructure projects.

“Giannoulias will create a high profile for himself, even as a freshman senator," the editorial said. “We like his competitive spirit, intention to pursue more federal money for Illinois and potential for teaming with powerful U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin for statewide benefit,” the editorial noted.

The newspaper credited Giannoulias for acting quickly to recover losses experienced in the state’s college savings fund. They also applauded his efforts to save taxpayer money and curb ethics abuses by consolidating the investment functions of state pension funds and to crack down on credit card scams.

It also expressed reservations about Giannoulias’ opponent Congressman Mark Kirk, mentioning how he lied about his military record and the fact that Southern Illinoisans were unfamiliar with him.

“We cannot understand how Kirk could have misstated his military record,” the editorial said. “It just isn't done. And Kirk's low Congressional profile before seeking the senate seat also is a concern. Despite his lengthy service, few people in Southern Illinois heard of Kirk before the election season; where was the prior evidence of leadership?"

This marks the latest newspaper endorsement for Giannoulias, who is supported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Springfield State Journal Register, Rockford Register Star, Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Defender.