A.G. Gancarski
While the race for Governor between Democrat Andrew Gillum and Republican Ron DeSantis is too close to call in public polls, it’s a landslide with law enforcement.
The latest example of LEOs leaping to support the Republican: Thursday’s endorsement of DeSantis by the Florida Association of State Troopers.
“As a Congressman, Ron DeSantis was a staunch supporter of the nation’s military and a vocal defender of the Second Amendment,” said Mike Kirby, chairman of FAST.
“As Governor, we look forward to working closely with him to continue the legacy set forth by Governor Rick Scott in support of the fine men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol, and the law enforcement community throughout the State of Florida.”
DeSantis described himself as “a strong supporter of Florida’s brave law enforcement community” in accepting the endorsement.
This contrasts to Gillum’s “anti-law enforcement platform, calling to cut funding for police and saying they have no place in Florida,” DeSantis maintains.
“While Andrew Gillum will stand against law enforcement, I will always stand with them,” DeSantis vows.
“I understand the close relationship that Florida’s Governor must have with our State Troopers; and, as Governor, I will do everything I can to support our State Troopers, and all of Florida’s law enforcement community, in their mission to protect and serve the people of our great state.“
Ahead of the primary, Adam Putnam was the runaway choice of most Sheriffs and police unions. Since late August, however, their support has largely (with the exception of a handful of Democratic Sheriffs) fallen in behind DeSantis.
