Bolling Receives Endorsement of Police Benevolent Association

-Police Benevolent Association joins Fraternal Order of Police as latest law enforcement organization to support Bolling's re-election-

RICHMOND - Lieutenant Governor Bolling today announced that his re-election campaign has received the endorsement of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association (PBA).  The PBA is composed of law enforcement officers employed by federal, state, county and municipal governments and has over 2,000 members in Virginia.  Its parent organization, the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, has over 21,000 members stretching from West Virginia to Florida.

"I am pleased to receive the endorsement of the Police Benevolent Association.  Their endorsement is a reflection of my longstanding commitment to support the law enforcement community in Virginia," said Bolling.  "Public safety is one of the core functions of government, and it is critical that we do all that we can to ensure that those who put their lives on the line for us every day are well cared for by the Commonwealth they so ably protect.  It is an honor to accept this endorsement."

PBA President Jason Knorowski stated, "The Virginia Police Benevolent Association proudly endorses Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling for re-election.  The Virginia PBA prides itself with its unique and professional political screening process.   Lt. Governor Bolling has demonstrated his support for the issues that are important to law enforcement.  The Virginia PBA encourages all Virginians to support strong, effective law enforcement by re-electing Bill Bolling as our Lieutenant Governor."

Bolling has a long record of supporting police officers and the law enforcement community.  As a State Senator Bolling supported efforts to increase the number of state funded local law enforcement positions.  He also supported increasing retirement benefits for law enforcement officers.  Bolling received the Legislator of the Year award from the Virginia Sheriff's Association in 2000.

As Lieutenant Governor, Bolling helped secure the first state funding for Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces that crack down on internet sexual predators.  He also sponsored legislation to enhance penalties for violent sexual predators, including a mandatory minimum assistance of 25 years for the commission of certain sex crimes against minors.

By contrast, Bolling's opponent, former Secretary of Finance Jody Wagner, so mismanaged the Commonwealth's finances that record shortfalls have necessitated budget cuts of $150M for critical public safety programs over the past two years.  Additionally, when the extent of her financial mismanagement became apparent, Ms. Wagner quit to run for higher office, putting her own personal political interests ahead of Virginia's interests and the fulfillment of her responsibilities as Secretary of Finance.

 The PBA joins the Fraternal Order of Police as law enforcement organizations supporting Lieutenant Governor Bolling's re-election campaign.  In 2005 the PBA endorsed Bolling's opponent, Democrat Leslie Byrne.