Last weekend, Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) received further support from first responders. Both the South Florida Council of Fire Fighters and the International Union of Police Associations announced endorsements for Rubio's reelection.
While Florida Rep. Val Demings (D), Rubio’s political rival, has touted her background as an Orlando Police Chief, police organizations have criticized the senatorial hopeful, sharing that Demings has not effectively supported them while in office. As a result, Senator Rubio has received significant support from first responders, and the two groups now join the ranks as election day looms nearer.
Sam A. Cabral, the International President of the International Union of Police Associations, praised Rubio’s efforts while in office, saying that Rubio has “long been an advocate for public safety and the brave men and women who provide it,” adding that his “vote and advocacy for issues important to us and our mission have been unwavering.”
Cabral, seemingly taking a dig at Demings’ past in law enforcement, commented that “many wrap themselves in the fabric of ‘law and order’, and then forget those commitments upon entering office.” In contrast, Cabral said that Rubio has always been “beside” law enforcement.
Similarly, John O’Brien, the SFCFF President, championed Rubio.
“In working with you and your staff, our organization has enjoyed a decades-long history of your advocacy, dating back to your days on West Miami’s City Commissioner,” O’Brien said, explain that “on occasions where we have not seen eye-to-eye, I can attest to your willingness to meet with our organization in an effort to better appreciate our perspective.”
In response to the endorsement from the South Florida Council of Fire Fighters, Rubio expressed that “when danger strikes, they run toward it to save lives, putting their own at risk.”
“In the Senate, I will continue to work to make sure our firefighters have the resources they need to do their job and the respect they deserve.”
In terms of support from law enforcement, Rubio has received endorsements from 56 Florida Sheriffs, the Florida Police Benevolent Association, the Florida Police Chief’s Association, the Florida Fraternal Order of Police, and the National Association of Police Organizations.
