NC's Largest Law Enforcement Association Endorses Pat McCrory For Governor | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

McCrory Campaign Launches New TV Ad, 'Back The Blue' Online Petition As Law Enforcement Support Continues To Build Across NC

    Raleigh, N.C.     Today, the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association (NCPBA) endorsed Pat McCrory for governor as support for his re-election campaign among the law enforcement community continues to grow across the state.

    "We are proud to endorse Pat McCrory in his re-election bid for governor," said Randy Byrd, president of the NCPBA. "Governor McCrory recently went through a strenuous process where he responded to tough questions and addressed critical issues of importance to law enforcement officers. The PBA was impressed by his performance, proven track record, and his vision for law enforcement. A vote for Governor McCrory is a vote for the men and women of law enforcement and for the citizens they selflessly serve each and every day in communities throughout North Carolina."

    Governor McCrory was joined by NCPBA leadership and rank and file members in Raleigh Thursday morning for a press conference announcing this major endorsement.

    "It is a dangerous time to be a law enforcement officer, and they deserve more than lip service and politically correct nonsense from politicians. Our men and women in blue deserve our full respect, appreciation and support," said Governor Pat McCrory. "I proudly stand with the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association and all of our law enforcement officers who walk the fine blue line to ensure our communities are safe. I am honored to receive the endorsement from this prestigious organization."

    In addition to the N.C. Police Benevolent Association, Governor McCrory has also received key endorsements from the N.C. Fraternal Order of Police and the N.C. Troopers Association.

    To highlight the governor's strong support from the law enforcement community, the Pat McCrory Committee launched a new television ad, "Friend." The ad features Michael Potts, who was shot 5 times during a routine 2013 traffic stop in Durham. Governor McCrory shared Michael Potts' incredible story during his 2015 State of the State address.

    Pat McCrory has a proven record of standing up for the rule of law as governor, even under intense political pressure. He called for halting the relocation of Syrian refugees to North Carolina until thorough background checks could be conducted and signed a bill to end sanctuary cities in North Carolina, unshackling the hands of law enforcement and ending policies of noncooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

    Additionally, he signed a bill to establish a clear legal process for the release of law enforcement video while balancing privacy, transparency and public safety. The governor has also funded appropriate use-of-force training and supported local jurisdictions with $5 million in matching grants for body cameras. Governor McCrory also established a 'Blue Alert System,' similar to silver and amber alerts, to aid in the apprehension of suspects who kill or inflict serious bodily injury on a law enforcement officer.

    Instead of a political appointee, Governor McCrory hired an outstanding law enforcement officer and professional to lead the State Bureau of Investigation who will be a strong partner for law enforcement around the state and ensure the agency is independent and free of politics. Governor McCrory has also shown a commitment to improving the state's crime lab and addressing chronic backlogs, including money in his budget to open a new Western Crime Lab and increase resources to help with backlogs.

    Throughout his first term, Governor McCrory has proven to be an active partner with the law enforcement community in tackling North Carolina's mental health, substance abuse and addiction crisis, which is severely impacting our communities. The latest state budget includes $20 million to implement the strategic recommendations from his task force on mental health and substance use, including the expansion of specialty treatment courts like drug and veteran courts, mental health first-aid training and tools to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic like Naloxone.

    The Pat McCrory Committee also launched an online petition inviting citizens who also support Law Enforcement to join Pat McCrory's campaign for governor. Click here to view the petition.

    For a full fact sheet on Governor McCrory's strong record on helping law enforcement and keeping our communities safe, click here.

"Friend" - Pat McCrory for Governor TV Ad


    Michael Potts: I got shot five times, twice in the face carrying out a traffic stop. That night, who walks in the hospital but my governor. Said he wished he could bring me something to eat, but my jaw was wired shut. He promised to have me to the house for dinner when I got out, and he did. No politics, just me and my family. Pat McCrory's law enforcement's friend. And, mine.

• Contact: The Pat McCrory Committee
•     media@patmccrory.com