David Hoffman's U.S. Senate campaign got a boost today, receiving endorsements from both the major daily newspapers in Chicago. Here's what the Sun-Times had to say about the former city inspector general:

In Hoffman, the voters have a candidate with a wealth of experience and integrity, who has produced in every job he has had.

Everybody talks about the need for more independence, smarter thinking and greater integrity in Washington.

Here's your chance.

And here's an excerpt from the Tribune editorial:

Hoffman has a distinguished record of public service. He would be the Democrat best able to answer a question especially relevant in this year's Illinois climate of distrust: "Who are you and what have you done?" [...]

We relish having Hoffman delve into a federal government that has made "trillion" a household word. We also relish having a man this honorable serve Illinois in Washington, where he has worked as a Senate staffer and as a clerk for the late Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

Not surprisingly, the Tribune endorsed Mark Kirk in the GOP primary.

The Sun-Times editorial also included this little tidbit about a meeting between Hoffman and Mayor Daley:

When Hoffman resigned to run for the Senate, the mayor sat down with the former thorn in his side and offered the thorn a little private political advice. Daley, Hoffman says, also told him: "You're the complete package."

Interesting.

Finally, for those still getting to know the Democratic candidates, ABC7 in Chicago will be airing a debate tonight at 11 p.m.  So set your DVRs! (You can also watch a livestream of the event at 7 p.m. here.)

UPDATE (3:40 p.m.): Giannoulias also received the endorsement of Secretary of State Jesse White this afternoon.  From a release:

The first African American to serve as Illinois Secretary of State, White is a popular elected official and proven vote getter, winning all 102 Illinois counties in 2002 and taking 63 percent of the vote in 2006. He is the first statewide constitutional officer to endorse in this race.

"Alexi has a proven record of saving and creating jobs, and he is the only Democrat with a comprehensive plan to turn our economy around," White said. "Alexi will stand up for ordinary citizens and against Washington insiders thanks to his pledge to not take campaign contributions from corporate PACs or federal lobbyists."

Full Disclosure: The SEIU Illinois State Council, which sponsors this website, has endorsed Alexi Giannoulias in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.