Wisconsin’s largest law enforcement union has endorsed candidates from both parties at the top of the ballot in the Nov. 4 general election, according to a statement Tuesday.
The Wisconsin Professional Police Association, which represents 10,000 members of law enforcement officials in the state, backed the campaigns of Democrat Mary Burke for governor and Republican Brad Schimel for Attorney General, according to the statement.
The group had a committee evaluate candidates for a variety of positions to discover who they thought would best contribute to a safer state.
“The WPPA has regularly supported Republicans and Democrats alike on the basis of who it believes will best support the dedicated men and women who work to keep our streets safe,” said WPPA Executive Director Jim Palmer in the statement.
The committee evaluated national statistics that explained that the crime rate has risen by 19 percent during Gov. Scott Walker’s term and concluded Wisconsin has seen the highest spike in the crime rate among midwestern states. The committee also analyzed how crime has risen and job growth has declined, according to the statement.
“This is about public safety and not partisan politics, which is why we are endorsing Mary Burke as the best candidate to lead our state,” Palmer said.
Stephanie Wilson, Press Secretary for Burke’s campaign, said Burke was honored to be endorsed by the WPPA and that her experience with the Boys and Girls Club of Madison has helped her understand the importance of a good rapport between students and law enforcement for a better Wisconsin.
The WPPA announced its support for Schimel earlier this week. Schimel has received wide bipartisan support because of his commitment to public safety, according to a release.
“Brad Schimel is law enforcement’s choice for attorney general because they know he’ll put public safety over politics,” Johnny Koremenos, Schimel’s campaign manager, said in a statement.
