NYPD groups endorse McCain
Posted: Saturday, January 26, 2008 1:37 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under:
2008, Giuliani
From NBC's Bethany Thomas
FT MYERS, Fla. -- At the home of the largest collection of common and rare seashells in the world, McCain received two New York City Police Department endorsements. The New York City Captains Endowment Association and the New York City Sergeants Benevolent Association -- made up of approximately 11,000 active and retired NYPD sergeants -- gave their nod to the Arizona senator this morning before a crowd of mostly tanned retirees.
“Some of the qualities that we’re known for is our leadership, integrity, courage, problem solving, conviction,” said Roy Richter, president of the New York City Captains Endowment Association. “Those were the qualities that we were looking for to endorse a candidate for president of the United States and we’re happy to offer our endorsement to a true American hero, a person of conviction and leadership, John McCain.”
The endorsements could be seen as a slap against former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani who usually receives the majority of the country's first responders support. McCain thanked the men. “These are the heroes of the United States," McCain said. "These are the heroes of 9-11. I have never been more honored to have your endorsement.”
Many city unions, including the NYPD, have been at odds with Giuliani since his mayoral days, as contract negotiations between the police and the mayor's office grew increasingly tense.