Quinn Gets Backing Of Firefighters; State Police Group Endorses Rauner
CHICAGO (CBS) -- In the race for governor, the Republican and Democratic candidates received competing endorsements Thursday from groups representing some of the state's police officers and firefighters.
WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser reports Gov. Pat Quinn visited a Chicago firehouse at Dearborn and Illinois streets, where the 15,000-member Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois offered its endorsement of the Democratic incumbent.
"I'm very humbled to have the endorsement," Quinn said.
Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 President Tom Ryan said he thinks rank-and-file firefighters will support the governor in the November election.
"I think they understand that our membership will benefit from having a governor who not only knows the fire service, but understands the fire service, and wants to give us the resources we need to do our job," Ryan said.
Quinn's opponent, Republican businessman Bruce Rauner, received the endorsement of the Illinois State Police Command Officers Association, which said "unprecedented budget cuts are crippling the effectiveness of the Illinois State Police."
The ISPCOA endorsement for Rauner is the first time the association has endorsed any candidate in an Illinois governor's race.
The ISPCOA said personnel levels have declined due to delayed or canceled cadet classes, which have allowed retirements to outpace hiring. They also said new squad cars have been allowed to sit idle throughout the state, awaiting installation of communication equipment and emergency lights.