Former state lawmaker Jonathan Paton got a nod from The Arizona Republic editorial board today, calling him "a strong candidate who can mount a credible campaign against Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords."

They weren't so kind to his Republican challengers.

Paton's closest rival in the Republican primary is Jesse Kelly, a Marine Corps combat veteran who offers a hard-right edge and blames the ills of the nations on "liberalism" and President Barack Obama. He offers simplistic sound bites that suggest little depth of thought.

Brian Miller, a major in the Air Force Reserve and A-10 fighter pilot, has a textbook understanding of political theory and an admirably independent spirit, but he needs more real-world experience. He has a future in politics but isn't ready for this job.

Also running is Jay Quick, who has not participated in campaign events and shows little interest in engaging in this race.

Paton is a solid candidate who could make the November election a real contest.

Read the whole thing here.