Toomey gets State FOP endorsement

Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey got the state FOP endorsement September 8, while the Philadelphia FOP is still considering who to back. One possible point of contention is Toomey’s opposition to a ban on assault weapons.

Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey was in Philadelphia Wednesday September 8 picking up a police union endorsement, while also defending a position that is at odds with some police union leaders.

The vice president of the State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police praised Toomey’s defense of police officers’ benefits and his national security views.

The Philadelphia FOP hasn’t yet endorsed in the race, and local leaders here have spoken in favor of a federal ban on assault weapons, which have been used on Philly cops. Toomey said he’s for tough enforcement, but against an assault weapons ban.

“We have a second amendment in this country that protects the rights of innocent, law-abiding citizens, and I’m a defender of that right,” he says.

Toomey’s news conference was held at the hall of the Philadelphia FOP, which will consider an endorsement some time in the coming month.