Today, the re-election campaign of U.S. Sen. Mark Warner announced that a majority of sheriffs in Virginia have endorsed his re-election bid. The 63 sheriffs from across the Commonwealth are Republicans, Democrats and Independents. Virginia sheriffs are the only law enforcement officials elected in each locality of the Commonwealth.
“I’m pleased to offer my strong support for Senator Warner’s re-election,” said Sheriff Wakie Howard, of New Kent County, the most senior elected sheriff in Virginia. “Senator Warner has been a true friend to law enforcement for more than a decade. In tough budget times he worked to fund initiatives that strengthened our ability to keep Virginians safe. I appreciate that Senator Warner listens to our concerns and continues to work with us to foster stronger community partnerships across the Commonwealth.”
Senator Warner has a long history of working to strengthen public safety in Virginia. As governor, Warner worked with a Republican-led legislature to pass a bipartisan budget that turned a $6 billion deficit into a surplus. This allowed the Commonwealth to honor its unmet commitments to help fund salaries for local police departments and sheriff’s deputies.
In 2005, Mark Warner worked with local law enforcement to sign an executive order to stem methamphetamine production in the Commonwealth. Then-Governor Warner also made significant investments in the Statewide Agencies Radio System (STARS) to better help first responders communicate effectively and established a statewide AMBER Alert System to better inform Virginians about public safety emergencies.
Since joining the Senate in 2008, Mark Warner has worked with elected officials to announce millions of dollars in law enforcement grants for crime prevention and public safety programs. Senator Warner supports fair sentencing reforms, efforts to improve benefits for public safety officers harmed on duty and continues to advocate for resources that keep our local law enforcement officers safe.
“I am honored by the showing of support from these Virginia sheriffs, who work every day to keep our cities and towns safe,” said Senator Mark Warner. “As governor and now as senator I have fought for initiatives that better help our local law enforcement officers protect Virginians. I remain committed to listening to Virginia’s sheriffs and other public safety officials to continue to work towards our shared goal of a safer Virginia.”
Click here to view the full list of sheriffs supporting Senator Warner in his re-election. And see below for more support from sheriffs offering their endorsements for Senator Warner:
Sheriff BJ Roberts, Hampton: “As Sheriff of the city of Hampton, Virginia, and former president of the National Sheriff’s Association, I fully endorse Senator Mark Warner. He is one of the National Sheriff’s Association’s strongest supporters and was instrumental in bringing many concerns and initiatives proposed by Virginia’s sheriffs to the forefront of our government. In Congress, he has been the state and local law enforcement agencies’ strongest advocate and played a key role in influencing policies involving crime, re-entry programs and career training, funding for law enforcement and most recently his appeal to the FCC regarding Inmate Calling Service Rates.”
Sheriff Shannon Zeman, Floyd County: “Senator Warner has been a longtime friend of Floyd County and of our law enforcement efforts to keep the community safe. He has proven himself first as a businessman, then as our governor and now as our great Senator. He is the most qualified for re-election to the United States Senate because he has proven himself, knows our community and is ready to continue doing what he does best: honorably serving the Commonwealth.”
Sheriff David Bushey, Middlesex County: “Mark Warner is the best bipartisan governor and senator we’ve ever had. He operates right down the middle, and we need more people like that in elected office.”
Sheriff Beth Arthur, Arlington County: “Mark Warner has a strong record of working with and supporting Virginia Sheriffs. From his time as governor, to now as our senior senator, he has always been committed to having a strong working relationship. As a sheriff, and as a long-time Virginian, I appreciate that Senator Warner’s door is always open.”
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Chris Graham
