This might not seem like much of a shock (local papers usually endorse local candidates) but those who know their GOP history, know that the Chicago Tribune was founded by the same man that founded the GOP.

This marks the third time ever that the Tribune has endorsed a non-Republican and the first time ever to endorse a Democrat.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/o...t-breakingnews

Not only that, but its a glowing recommendation. Note this is also a paper that has followed a lot of Obama's career in both the Illinois State Senate and in the US Senate. They know this man.