Minneapolis police union backs Dayton
The Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis is backing Democrat Mark Dayton in the race for governor.
Union leaders say their board voted unanimously for Dayton after screening all three major party candidates. The federation's previous two endorsements for governor went to Republican Tim Pawlenty. But during a State Capitol news conference today, president John Delmonico said police are not looking at party affiliation.
"I don't like to think of us as a partisan union," Delmonico said. "I like to think of us as we endorse the best candidate. And clearly the last two governors races I believe we endorsed the best candidate. In this race, I believe, I know we're endorsing the best candidate. So I look at it who the person is, what the bring to the table instead of what party they're with."
The Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis has more than 800 members. Dayton called it an important endorsement. He also has the backing of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.
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