Scott Powers
The Central Florida Police Benevolent Association has endorsed Democrat Bob Poe in Florida’s 10th Congressional District, despite the fact that former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings is one of his opponents.
The Central Florida PBA represents approximately 700 members of numerous law enforcement agencies throughout the Central Florida area.
“The Central Florida Police Benevolent Association is proud to endorse Bob Poe for U.S. House of Representatives, District 10,” Ron Beardslee, political director of the Central Florida PBA and a local police officer, stated in a news release issued Thursday by Poe’s campaign. “Bob is a leader we feel confident law enforcement can work with in Congress. We will ask our members, friends and families, and all citizens who respect the strong and efficient enforcement of our laws, to cast their ballots in support of Bob Poe.”
Poe faces Demings, lawyer Fatima Rita Fahmy, and state Sen. Geraldine Thompson in the Aug. 30 Democratic primary for CD 10, which covers western Orange County. The winner would face Republican nominee Thuy Lowe in the November election in a district with a strong Democratic electoral base.
“I am grateful and humbled to have the support of the Central Florida Police Benevolent Association’s hardworking law enforcement professionals,” Poe stated in the release. “Our police officers and sheriff’s deputies have a tough job, and they do it with integrity. In Congress, I’ll work to ensure law enforcement has the resources, training, and personnel they need to continue to protect and serve our community.”
