The Oregon State Police Officers Association has never endorsed a federal candidate, that is, until today.

Kevin Mannix, one of the Republican candidates in the 5th Congressional District announced the support of the OSPOA today, which chose to step into the fray (there are four major candidates in the 5th, two Republicans and two Democrats) because of Mannix’s record on fighting crime and supporting funding for public safety.

“Kevin Mannix has been an ally in our efforts to make Oregon safer by increased trooper numbers on Oregon’s highways. This has resulted in safer traveling as well as increased ability to made drug interdictions thus decreasing the availability of illegal drugs on our streets,” said Jeff Leighty, OSPOA President. 

Mannix, a long time politico, has built a reputation of being “tough on crime;” throughout his time in the public eye, he has crafted a number of ballot measures, including Measure 11 (mandatory minimum sentences for violent person-to-person crimes.)