U.S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis, who’s running against Democratic Sen. Tina Smith, has been endorsed by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA).
Lewis, who has a history of supporting the police, announced that the organization endorsed him “without reservation” on Tuesday. The MPPOA is the largest organization in the state that represents police and other public-safety professionals.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association. As the husband and son-in-law of former St. Paul police officers, I fully understand the inherent risks and pressures of law enforcement and the sacrifices that men and women in law enforcement make, which is one of the reasons I’ve been so vocal in supporting them. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for my opponent,” the Republican said in a statement.
He said his opponent treats the police like a “political punching bag” as she “tries to curry favor with the violent mob.”
The MPPOA represents over 10,400 police and peace officers across the state, along with 2,000 retired officers. Started in 1922, the organization has helped create police officer training standards, pass training legislation, and support the families of fallen officers.
“It is our hope that our endorsement will advance your candidacy and that you will be successful in your efforts to solidify a seat in the United States Senate,” the group said in its endorsement letter.
It is an honor to be endorsed by the @MNPoliceAssn.
— Jason Lewis (@LewisForMN) August 27, 2020
I married into a police family—I understand the inherent risks/pressures/sacrifices police officers make.
That’s why I proudly #BackTheBlue.
Unlike my opponent @TinaSmithMN who says police play a “dangerous role” in society. pic.twitter.com/dS8EtpM7gJ
Lewis also has the support of Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis President Bob Kroll, who joined Lewis for a recent event.
“There are 1,500 businesses gone and over half a billion dollars in damages, and that didn’t have to be. It could have been shut down if we had what Jason is talking about: law and order, and support from the top,” Kroll said during the event.
Lewis previously called for the Minneapolis City Council to be abolished in response to its anti-police actions.
Judah Torgerud
Judah Torgerud is a freelance journalist working with Alpha News to keep the people informed and bring the truth to light. Contact him at whqnu@nycunarjfza.pbz.
