Senator George Allen spoke to a few hundred policemen from all over Virginia at the Fraternal Order of Police’s state convention on Wednesday, August 9. He thanked them for their endorsement, and got overwhelming support for his positions on crime and other issues.
Allen called the FOP’s support the “most important endorsement” during his 1993 gubernatorial campaign. “Folks who work in law enforcement are the salt of the earth,” Allen said admiringly.
He touted his accomplishments as governor—establishing “truth in sentencing,” which makes convicts serve full sentences, and abolishing parole for felons in Virginia. Allen also talked up 2004’s Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act, which allows active and retired police to carry concealed weapons across state lines. “Whether you’re on active duty, off duty or retired, [a police officer’s] safety is at risk,” he said.
Allen also touched on national issues, such as the need for more border patrol officers to ease the strain on National Guard and reserve troops who are now serving as border protection. Allen favors a virtual fence on the United State’s southern border, and told the assembled officers that putting illegal immigrants on a track toward citizenship is tantamount to rewarding illegal behavior.
The crowd was obviously receptive to Allen’s stance on local crime and national issues. Thomas E. Stiles, president of the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police, which has over 8,600 members, introduced Allen by saying, “We’re going to be working with you hand-in-hand to get you back in that office.”
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