National Troopers Coalition Endorses Robert Taft for Ohio Governor, Betty Montgomery for Attorney General

Business Wire, Sept 23, 1998

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 23, 1998--The National Troopers Coalition, representing 45,000 troopers across the United States, today announced its endorsement of Robert Taft for election as Ohio's next Governor, and incumbent Betty Montgomery for reelection as the state's Attorney General, in the November 3rd election.

NTC Chairman James A. Rhinebarger said that Ohio, serving as a crossroads for much of the nation's traffic, traffic congestion and traffic-based crime, is a crucial state when it comes to how well troopers are supported by state government as they protect the traveling public. Taft's endorsement by the national organization was based on the candidate's support for putting more troopers on the road in Ohio as well as his endorsement by Troopers for a Safer Ohio earlier this summer, Rhinebarger said.

"With the increase in the number of registered vehicles, vehicle miles driven, and highway crime in Ohio over the last 25 years," Rhinebarger said, "it is stunning that the number of troopers on the road in Ohio is no greater today than in 1973. Mr. Taft's endorsement sends a clear signal to troopers everywhere that he is the best person to be Governor in this very important state."

Rhinebarger said that like the trooper's state association, the National Troopers Coalition also supports Betty Montgomery for reelection because, "she has distinguished herself as a friend to law enforcement while in office, and deserves another term."

Troopers for a Safer Ohio, a statewide association representing 2,250 troopers, dispatchers and retired troopers of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, announced its endorsement of Robert Taft and Betty Montgomery in July. TSO also endorsed Charleta Travares for Secretary of State, John Donofrio for Treasurer and Jim Petro for Auditor.