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September 8, 2000
BUSH WINS
F.O.P. ENDORSEMENT Gilbert G. Gallegos, National
President
The
Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed Governor George W. Bush for
President of the United States. The FOP believes that Governor Bush will
be a President who will do what he says and will do right by the cop on
the beat. The FOP believes that Governor Bush is a leader who shares its
values and shares an unyielding commitment to supporting law enforcement
with action and not just words.
I believe that George W. Bush is a
man who has demonstrated integrity, sincerity, and a genuine commitment to
the rule of law.
In Texas, Governor Bush has been a law and order
Governor, and we know that he will be a law and order President.
In
Texas, Governor Bush has made combating crime a top priority. He pushed
through tough criminal justice reforms and, as a result, overall crime in
Texas decreased 14 percent, violent crime decreased 20 percent, and
juvenile crime is down 17 percent--the first decline in over a decade.
Violent juvenile crime is down 44 percent!
We know that Governor
Bush will appoint judges who won't view the police as the enemy or strive
to release criminals on legal technicalities.
Governor Bush
understands that law enforcement officers risk their lives every day, and
he has always supported the men and women of law enforcement. We know that
police will always have a place at the table in deliberations on crime and
criminal justice policy. Although Governor Bush does not currently support
our position on collective bargaining and due process rights for police
officers, he has vowed to listen to our views on these important
issues.
We know that, as President, Governor Bush will carry
through on his commitment to have zero tolerance for terrorism, and he
will always side with the men and women of law enforcement over violent
criminals who prey on society. He will not pardon terrorists who have
maimed or killed police officers and other innocent
victims.
Governor Bush will aggressively enforce gun laws through
programs like Texas Exile and Project Exile in Richmond, VA. In addition,
he supports legislation that allows active and retired law enforcement
officers to carry concealed weapons across state lines.
We know
that Governor Bush supports state and local control with respect to law
enforcement issues. He supports the federal government's providing
funding, resources and assistance, but in a way that supports and not
supplants local efforts.
We have faith that Governor Bush will work
to foster the strongest possible level of cooperation between federal,
state and local law enforcement. He will focus his energies on supporting
effective law enforcement strategies rather than second guessing local law
enforcement decisions. A Bush Administration will view state and local law
enforcement as partners in fighting crime and in promoting public safety,
not as constant adversaries in court.
The Fraternal Order of Police
strongly believes that Governor Bush's genuine commitment to law
enforcement and his crime-fighting record in Texas make him the best
candidate for America's police officers. The FOP knows that he will be a
President who will trust and support the nation's peace officers and that
the FOP will be welcome in the White House. I urge all members to support
our endorsement by voting for Governor George W. Bush.
For more information or elaboration, please do not hesitate to contact
the National F.O.P. Legislative Office at 202.547.8189 or via e-mail.
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