BY PATRICK CROWLEY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FLORENCE -- Democrat Ken Lucas has picked up another police union endorsement in his 4th District congressional race against Republican Gex "Jay" Williams.
The Lucas campaign has been quick to tout the endorsements, hoping to take away what is often a core issue for Republicans -- getting tough and talking tough on crime.
"Clearly, the protectors of our public safety are lining up behind Ken Lucas," said John Lapp, Mr. Lucas' campaign manager. Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Thoroughbred Lodge 38 has endorsed Mr. Lucas. The police union represents officers in Grant, Pendleton, Robertson and Bracken counties in the 4th District.
Two weeks ago Mr. Lucas picked up the endorsement of The Covington Lodge No. 1 FOP, which has traditionally supported GOP candidates. Mr. Lucas, of Richwood in Boone County, has also been backed by a firefighters union in Covington, Covington Professional Firefighters Local 38.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the endorsements by our police and firefighters," Mr. Lucas said in a statement. "These people put their lives on the line every day for our communities. The least we can do is to ensure that they have the means to carry out their duties."
Elmer Ray, president of the Thoroughbred FOP lodge, said Mr. Lucas -- the former Boone County judge-executive -- has a long record of supporting law enforcement.
Craig Hendricks, Mr. Williams' campaign manager, said Mr. Williams -- a state senator from Verona in Boone County -- supported anti-crime measures and backed law enforcement officers during his three terms in the Kentucky General Assembly.
"His crime-fighting record in the Kentucky legislature is exemplary, including his support for crime-fighting measures which crack down on violent juvenile offenders and life sentences without parole for violent criminals," Mr. Hendricks said.
