Firefighters are supporting Dayton

The statewide union representing firefighters is backing DFL candidate Mark Dayton in the race for governor.

Minnesota Professional Firefighters officials announced their endorsement of Dayton one day after the union representing Minneapolis police backed him. A statewide police union is also supporting Dayton. During a news conference today (Tuesday) outside a Minneapolis fire station, Dayton declared himself the public safety candidate.

"With layoffs in Duluth and consideration in Brainerd of eliminating a paid fire force, it just shows again how continuation of support for local government aids is so crucial to the ability to sustain the essential services that peoples lives depend on," Dayton said.

Firefighters endorsed Republican Tim Pawlenty for governor in 2002 and 2006. MPFF president Tom Thornberg says the union screened several candidates back in June but chose not to make an endorsement until after the primary. He said Republican Tom Emmer was invited but did not participate in the screening.

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