Lingle Endorsed by Police Union

Former governor Lingle accepts the endorsement of Hawaii's police officer union for her bid for the open Hawaii seat in the US Senate. Courtesy photo.

By Sonia Isotov

Today, former governor Lingle visited the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) Maui Chapter headquarters in Wailuku to accept their endorsement of her bid for Hawaii’s open US Senate seat.

Joined by the Board of Directors of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO), President Tenari Ma’afala announced yesterday that Hawaii’s police officers’ union is endorsing former governor Linda Lingle in her bid for Hawaii’s open US Senate seat.

“Governor [sic] Lingle has always had our police officers in her heart, and she advocated for us in every leadership position she has held – from Maui’s mayor to Hawaii’s governor. We know she will represent Hawaii’s police officers and our brethren across the country well when we elect her to serve in Washington, DC,” said SHOPO President, Tenari Ma’afala, in a written statement.

“This is not just an endorsement. It is a full-on commitment from us to play a major role in Gov. Lingle’s campaign for the next 10 months,” Ma’afala added.

“Having the backing and support of ‘Hawaii’s Finest’ has been a true honor for me since SHOPO’s first endorsement of my campaigns in 2002. I am extremely humbled by today’s endorsement, and will always honor the faith SHOPO has shown in me by putting Hawaii’s people first,” said Lingle.

SHOPO previously endorsed Lingle in her gubernatorial campaign in 2002 and her re-election campaign in 2006.

To personally express her appreciation to the union members for their support, Lingle will travel throughout the state this week to visit with police officers at all of the SHOPO chapters including Maui, Hawaii Island and Kauai.