Minneapolis police union backs Dayton in gubernatorial race

The Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis is backing Democrat Mark Dayton in the race for governor.

Union leaders say their board voted unanimously for Dayton after screening all three major party candidates.

The federation's previous two endorsements for governor went to Republican Tim Pawlenty, but during a State Capitol news conference Monday, John Delmonico, the union's president, said police are not looking at party affiliation.

"I don't like to think of us as a partisan union," he said. I like to think of us as we endorse the best candidate ... I look at it who the person is, what the bring to the table instead of what party they're with."

Federation leaders said Dayton has a long record of supporting men and women in law enforcement. Dayton said the police endorsement is significant.

"This is a non-partisan, non-political group," Dayton said. "They're men and women who put their lives on the line to serve the people of Minneapolis and this state, and I'm very honored to have their endorsement."

The Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis has more than 800 members. Dayton called it an important endorsement. He also has the backing of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.

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