This week, the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police officially threw their support behind Senator Sherrod Brown and Justice Yvette McGee Brown. Here’s what they said in support of Sen. Brown’s bid for re-election to the U.S. Senate:
“Senator Brown was one of our strongest allies in the fight against SB 5/Issue 2”, said FOP President Jay McDonald. “He is also one of the strongest supporters of law enforcement issues in the United States Senate and our members of the FOP in Ohio are proud to stand with Senator Brown for his re-election.”
After the news of the endorsement, Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern responded:
“Law enforcement officers across Ohio have a long memory, and they remember that Senator Sherrod Brown stood loyally by their side during the fight against Senate Bill 5, while Republicans like Josh Mandel turned their backs on our local community heroes. The FOP also endorsed Justice Yvette McGee Brown because no one in this race is more qualified, nor presents a more diverse approach to public service than the lone Democrat on the Ohio Supreme Court.”
For his ardent support of the brave men and women who go to work each day to keep our communities safe, Sherrod has been endorsed by the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters as well. Notably Sen. Brown is the first Democratic senator to be endorsed by the FOP since 1988.
In response, Sen. Brown released the following statement:
“I am honored to have the endorsement of the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, who count among their members some of the bravest men and women I know. These law enforcement officers have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities, vowing to run towards danger when others run away.
“I was proud to stand with the FOP last year as we fought against Senate Bill 5, an egregious attack on our courageous police officers that Ohioans roundly rejected. The men and women who work to protect our families put their lives on the line for us, and in return, we owe them quality healthcare and the promise of a dignified retirement. I pledge to continue fighting to ensure our police forces have the tools and resources they need to get the job done and stay safe.
“It is an honor to have the confidence of the Fraternal Order of Police, and I thank them for their endorsement today, but more importantly, I thank them for the work they do each and every day.”
The FOP’s endorsement of Justice Yvette McGee Brown comes off the heels of earning a prestigious rating from the Ohio State Bar Association, while her opponent, Sharon Kennedy, received the first “not recommended” rating in almost 15 years.
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Here’s a rundown of the stories covering the FOP’s historic endorsement:
Columbus Dispatch – FOP endorses Brown in Senate race
Cleveland Plain Dealer – Ohio Fraternal Order of Police endorses Brown for U.S. Senate, incumbents for Ohio Supreme Court
Cincinnati Enquirer – State FOP breaks from tradition, endorses Brown
Dayton Daily News – Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio endorse Sen. Sherrod Brown for re-election
WDTN – FOP endorses Brown over Mandel for US Senate
Youngstown Vindicator – Ohio Fraternal Order of Police issues election endorsements
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