ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police announced its endorsement of Karin Housley for U.S. Senate, saying Housley has a “proven track record of supporting law enforcement.”
Housley, a Republican, is running against Democratic Sen. Tina Smith in the special election to fill Al Franken’s former seat. Matt Hagen, president of Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police, says Housley’s commitment to public safety as a state senator proves she will be a “friend of law enforcement in Washington.”
“The Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police proudly stands with Karin Housley in her race for U.S. Senate. In the state legislature, Karin has repeatedly demonstrated her commitment to public safety – and we know she will continue to be a friend of law enforcement in Washington,” Hagen said.
“Karin Housley has shown leadership, empathy, and a willingness to listen to the concerns of the rank-and-file – and those are the qualities Minnesotans want in their next U.S. Senator,” Hagen added.
The Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police, which is comprised of current and retired law enforcement officers from across Minnesota, aims to endorse and support “ideas, issues, and projects which benefit the entire law enforcement profession.” Housley said it is a “true honor” to receive the endorsement of the group.
“The men and women of our law enforcement community work day and night to keep our communities safe, and they do it with honor and respect. They can count on me to have their backs,” Housley said. “I will work with the Fraternal Order of Police, and law enforcement across the state, in our shared pursuit of public safety. Keeping Minnesota safe is an all-hands-on-deck effort.”
A new KSTP/Survey USA poll shows a competitive race for Franken’s seat. Smith has a single-digit lead over Housley, with 11 percent of those surveyed saying they were undecided. Housley holds a significant advantage over Smith in greater Minnesota, leading by 17 points in southern Minnesota and by 10 in northeastern Minnesota. The full survey results can be seen here.
