The Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed Governor George W. Bush for President of the United States. The FOP believes that Governor Bush will be a President who will do what he says and will do right by the cop on the beat. The FOP believes that Governor Bush is a leader who shares its values and shares an unyielding commitment to supporting law enforcement with action and not just words.

I believe that George W. Bush is a man who has demonstrated integrity, sincerity, and a genuine commitment to the rule of law.

In Texas, Governor Bush has been a law and order Governor, and we know that he will be a law and order President.

• In Texas, Governor Bush has made combating crime a top priority. He pushed through tough criminal justice reforms and, as a result, overall crime in Texas decreased 14 percent, violent crime decreased 20 percent, and juvenile crime is down 17 percent--the first decline in over a decade. Violent juvenile crime is down 44 percent!

• We know that Governor Bush will appoint judges who won't view the police as the enemy or strive to release criminals on legal technicalities.

• Governor Bush understands that law enforcement officers risk their lives every day, and he has always supported the men and women of law enforcement. We know that police will always have a place at the table in deliberations on crime and criminal justice policy. Although Governor Bush does not currently support our position on collective bargaining and due process rights for police officers, he has vowed to listen to our views on these important issues.

• We know that, as President, Governor Bush will carry through on his commitment to have zero tolerance for terrorism, and he will always side with the men and women of law enforcement over violent criminals who prey on society. He will not pardon terrorists who have maimed or killed police officers and other innocent victims.

• Governor Bush will aggressively enforce gun laws through programs like Texas Exile and Project Exile in Richmond, VA. In addition, he supports legislation that allows active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons across state lines.

• We know that Governor Bush supports state and local control with respect to law enforcement issues. He supports the federal government's providing funding, resources and assistance, but in a way that supports and not supplants local efforts.

• We have faith that Governor Bush will work to foster the strongest possible level of cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement. He will focus his energies on supporting effective law enforcement strategies rather than second guessing local law enforcement decisions. A Bush Administration will view state and local law enforcement as partners in fighting crime and in promoting public safety, not as constant adversaries in court.

The Fraternal Order of Police strongly believes that Governor Bush's genuine commitment to law enforcement and his crime-fighting record in Texas make him the best candidate for America's police officers. The FOP knows that he will be a President who will trust and support the nation's peace officers and that the FOP will be welcome in the White House. I urge all members to support our endorsement by voting for Governor George W. Bush.

For more information and elaboration, please do not hesitate to contact the National F.O.P. Legislative Office at (202) 547-8189 or via e-mail.