The National Association of Police Organizations, INC. (NAPO) has released a statement, endorsing Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R). This continues the Florida lawmaker's support in the law enforcement community as he seeks to win reelection against Florida Rep. Val Demings (D), a former Orlando police chief from 2007 to 2011.
Signed by Michael McHale, the president of the organization, McHale praises Rubio, commenting that "as a United States Senator, you have backed important legislation that supports law enforcement and ensures officers get the resources they need to keep themselves and our communities safe." McHale adds that "NAPO is pleased to support your campaign and is confident you will continue your strong support of the law enforcement community as Senator."
NAPO is the fifth law enforcement group to endorse Rubio as Demings reminds voters of her past in law enforcement. However, the groups have shared disapproval of Demings' relationship with law enforcement as a Florida lawmaker with some officers expressing that she has turned her back on them. This has further been amplified by Rubio who's called her a radical and a "Pelosi Puppet" that will hurt law enforcement should she be elected to the Senate.
In the endorsement announcement, McHale explained that "NAPO's endorsement is upon the recommendation of its member groups, the Florida Police Benevolent Association, the South Florida Police Benevolent Association, the Southwest Florida Police Benevolent Association and the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association."
Demings has ventured on the campaign trail, using the "Chief Demings" title, which has been criticized by both officers and Senator Rubio.
In April, The Floridian interviewed Senator Rubio, and he shared his thoughts regarding Demings' time in the House.
“She’s been in the House for six years and has never passed a single bill. She’s done nothing. I mean, I imagine if I was in Congress for six years: my party was in power, the president of my party was in power, and I have nothing to show for it," Rubio said, adding that Demings "probably doesn’t want people to know she’s up there."
