George Allen received the U.S. Senate endorsement of the Virginia State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police.
The announcement was made at the Virginia FOP State Convention today held at the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks in Fairfax.
“It is with tremendous gratitude I accept the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police endorsement in this pivotal U.S. Senate race,” said Allen. “This endorsement and this race come down to very different records of results for Virginia families. As governor I worked with a Democrat-controlled legislature to crack down on criminals, including through the abolition of parole, truth in sentencing and juvenile justice reform. By working together across the aisle, we demonstrated the bipartisan leadership required to accomplish historic reforms for Virginia and make our communities safer places to live, work, invest, shop, and raise our families.
“This same bipartisan leadership is what we need in Washington today, and I am ready to bring to Washington the voice of law enforcement professionals and hardworking Virginia taxpayers. I am encouraged and grateful for the important support of so many respected, dedicated and heroic police officers in Virginia, and their families. I look forward to working again shoulder to shoulder with the thoughtful FOP to assure we support law officers and to improve security in our neighborhoods and schools.”
George Allen’s record of supporting law enforcement also includes his legislative work in the U.S. Senate following the 9/11 attacks to help first responders coordinate and communicate by freeing up additional radio frequencies and providing compatible equipment. Additionally, Allen was the original co-sponsor of the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act in the U.S. Senate to allow current and retired law enforcement officials to carry concealed firearms across State lines.
Established in 1953, the Virginia State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police represents nearly 8,000 law enforcement officers dedicated to their common goal of promoting community involvement and preserving public safety. Members represent a cross section of public safety professionals including local police officers, deputy sheriffs, state police and federal law enforcement. For more information, visit the Virginia FOP website at www.vastatefop.com.
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In response to George Allen’s endorsement by the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police, leaders in law enforcement and first responders from across the Commonwealth stated their strong support for former Gov. Tim Kaine.
“As governor, Tim Kaine made a commitment to bring down violent crime on our streets and he got results,” said Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh. “During his term, violent crime dropped by approximately 20 percent. He made critical investments that improved working conditions and job training for law enforcement and other first responders. As Virginia’s senator, I know Tim Kaine will take the right approach to address our fiscal challenges that will allow continued investments to protect our first responders and maintain public safety.”
Michael Mohler, president of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, noted Kaine’s promise to continue critical investments in the equipment and personnel that keep communities safe, if elected to the U.S. Senate. In contrast, George Allen supports an all-cuts approach to balancing the budget that would cut jobs, training, and resources for law enforcement across the country.
“Even during a national recession, we could count on Gov. Kaine to fight for us,” Mohler said. “As governor, Kaine supported critical funding for training, equipment, safer staffing levels, and other resources for Virginia’s first responders. His commitment to ensure first responders have the necessary equipment and tactical training in the event of a terrorist attack has helped make our Commonwealth a safer place. By reorganizing state services to include the position of Fire Marshall under the Secretary of Public Safety, he reduced redundancies and delivered public safety services in a more efficient, fiscally responsible manner. As a senator, Gov. Kaine will protect crucial federal funding that helps first responders better do our jobs, just as he’s done throughout his career.”
In addition, officials highlighted Kaine’s record of bringing constituencies and parties together to reduce violent crime as the mayor of Richmond and as governor.
“Tim Kaine understands that public safety is about results, not just tough talk. During his time as Richmond city councilman and mayor, the city’s homicide rate fell by nearly 60 percent and the city shook its violent reputation. He was key in implementing ‘Project Exile,’ an innovative program to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, which drew praise even from the National Rifle Association and President George W. Bush,” said Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor. “I trust Tim Kaine to protect the investments in public safety which allow our law enforcement professionals to keep us safe and secure in our homes and communities.”
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