Police PAC endorses Taylor for D.A.

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Oct 8, 2008 by Michael Hooper

By Michael Hooper

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Two years ago, Chad Taylor went to the Fraternal Order of Police to share his plan to run for Shawnee County district attorney.

On Tuesday, the group Friends of Police endorsed him.

The FOP is a political action committee comprised of Fraternal Order of Police members, who are current and retired law enforcement officers in Topeka and Shawnee County.

"Our organization firmly believes that Chad Taylor is the best candidate for Shawnee County district attorney," said Steve Purney, chairman of the FOP. "Shawnee County needs a district attorney who will focus on prosecuting criminals before anything else. Having met and talked with Chad numerous times, we know that he has the best interests of Shawnee County at heart and will work tirelessly to make our communities safer."

Nearly 50 percent of FOP's 300 members participated in an election to choose who to endorse. About 75 percent voted for Taylor, a Democrat, Purney said.

In June, Friends of Police endorsed Taylor as its choice for the Democratic Party over Jerry Berger and Eric Rucker as its choice in the Republican Party primary over Republican incumbent Robert Hecht.

At a news conference Tuesday, Purney declined to say anything negative about Rucker. Instead, he praised Taylor.

Purney said he was impressed Taylor had the courage two years ago to stand in front of 100 law enforcement officers and share his vision for being district attorney. Taylor has continued meeting with law enforcement during the past 24 months.

"He laid out his vision, and he's fallen in line ever since," Purney said.

Taylor said the endorsement comes after he and Rucker have debated several times.

"To have them stand behind me is one of my proudest moments," Taylor said at the news conference at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center. "This sends a clear message."

Rucker said Friends of Police is a political action committee, not law enforcement. He said his relationship with law enforcement has been cordial and highly productive.

"I've worked with law enforcement all across the state for protection of Kansans," he said. "What's of primary importance is not their (FOP) endorsement, but the fact that I support law enforcement, and my record proves that."