The REAL law-enforcement group in Calif. is backing Brown, not Whitman

[Newsjock]

Much was made earlier today about the $800,000 pro-Whitman ad spending by a group called the California State Law Enforcement Association:

A law-enforcement group mentioned by Jerry Brown on his now-infamous voicemail message that was made public last week has purchased more than $800,000 in radio time to boost Republican Meg Whitman.

One of my friends -- who is a police officer in a California city (and who happens to be a conservative) -- was quick to respond to me in private:

Who the hell is "the California Law Enforcement Group! The group that represents 90% of Law Enforcement in this state is PORAC. We have 62,000 members and we certainly have not endorsed this candidate.

So that set me to doing a little bit of research. According to the CSLEA's website:

The California Statewide Law Enforcement Association represents more than 7,000 public safety professionals within our 19 affiliate groups — dedicated, highly trained state workers who make up California’s safety net.

On the other hand, PORAC, the Peace Officers Research Association of California, according to the meta tag info on their website, "is a professional federation of local, state and federal law enforcement associations. With more than 890 member organizations, representing 62,000 officers, PORAC is not only one of the largest law enforcement associations in the west, but one of the largest in the nation."

Moreover, PORAC has endorsed Brown and has announced an ad buy:

A new committee representing roughly 100,000 front line firefighters and law enforcement officers is launching a new TV campaign in support of Jerry Brown.

The group – 100,000 Frontline Firefighters and Law Enforcement for Jerry Brown – was established last month in support of Brown’s campaign. Their first round of television spots begins airing Tuesday, October 12, 2010.

“As a governor, a mayor and attorney general, Jerry Brown has stood up in support of public safety for close to four decades,” said Ron Cottingham, president of the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC). “Jerry has the record, the experience and the know-how to protect our state and its citizens.”

62,000 vs. 7,000. Looks like Meg Whitman is lying yet again when she claims to have the support of California's peace officers.

[CountAllVotes]

1. a lying Whitless is not what California needs!

JERRY BROWN FOR GOVERNOR 2010!!!

:dem: :kick:

[DCKit]

2. Another Front Organization? Shocking. n/t

[msongs]

3. heard that radio ad on KNX today....as it flashed by made me think it was real cops nt

[Stuart G]

4. K and R