CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain got the support Thursday of the Charleston Post and Courier, giving him the endorsement of the state's three largest newspapers.

The Greenville News and The State in Columbia had already endorsed the Arizona senator for Saturday's primary.

The Post and Courier said it urged voters to support McCain eight years ago, when George W. Bush won the South Carolina primary. The newspaper said McCain continues to provide the country with positive leadership.

The newspaper cited McCain's willingness to depart from the Republican Party line, as well as his positions on reducing government regulation and cutting spending and taxes.

The newspaper also cited McCain's support for a strong national defense.