REPORT OF THE ENDORSEMENT COMMITTEE

On August 15^th the Endorsement Committee presented its report to the delegates at the biennial conference for the purpose of deciding which political candidate on the State and National level will best represent the labor interests of the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police.  The committee reviewed the qualifications of candidates for Pennsylvania Auditor General and Attorney General, the United States Senate and President of the United States.  We did not receive a request to review candidates for the position of State Treasure until days prior to the convention.

The two candidates for the office of Auditor General were Rep. Eugene DePasquale (York Co) and Rep. John Maher (Allegheny Co).  Both candidates are highly qualified and proven strong supports of the FOP agenda.  Rep. John Maher was endorsed for Auditor General based on his experience as a CPS and experience on government pensions.

                The two candidates for the office of Attorney General were ADA Kathleen Kane (Lackawanna Co) and DA. David Freed (Cumberland Co).  Both candidates are highly qualified experienced prosecutors and also proven strong supporters of the FOP agenda.  District Attorney David Freed was endorsed for Attorney General based on his leadership and administrative skills as a 15 year first assistant and district attorney. 

            The two candidates for the United States Senate were incumbent, Senator Bob Case (Lackawanna Co) and Mr. Tom Smith (Armstrong Co).  Tom Smith was well received by the delegates and presented himself as an articulate knowledgeable candidate.  He leaned more toward state’s rights in key FOP issues.  Sen. Casey discussed his support and co sponsorship of key FOP issues.  Sen. Bob Casey was endorsed for US Senate based on his past and proven support, sponsorship and co-sponsorship of almost every issue important to the FOP on the State and National level.

           The two candidates for the President of the United States were President Barack H. Obama (Illinois) and Governor Mitt Romney (Massachusetts).  The endorsement committee recognized that both candidates have flaws; both candidates are polar opposites; both candidates have their own individual ideals and agendas.  Their positions are contentious in nature to our membership, whether it concerns the economy and current direction of the Country by the President, or the overt dislike and blame of the unions for the problems in our country and apparent non support of police bargaining rights by Governor Romney. Due to these apprehensions, the endorsement committee moved to instruct our National Trustee to not endorse either candidate for the Office of President of the United States.

          Please access the complete report of the Endorsement Committee on the State FOP website under Member Services/Endorsements

Respectfully,

John A. Fiorill

Chairman