Milwaukee Police Assn. endorses Walker

Associated Press

Updated: Apr 25, 2012 10:25 AM

MADISON (AP) — The Milwaukee Police Association has endorsed Republican Gov. Scott Walker in the recall election.

The endorsement announced Wednesday comes a day after the statewide police union endorsed Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. That group, the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, is the largest police union in the state but it does not represent Milwaukee officers.

The Milwaukee union says it is endorsing Walker because he has shown unwavering support for safer communities.

The union has frequently clashed with Barrett over his eight years as mayor. The release cites furloughs, reduced staffing and an unwillingness for Barrett to work on issues with them.

Most police and firefighters, including those in Milwaukee, were exempted from Walker's law effectively ending collective bargaining and forcing higher pension and health care payments from public union members.

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