Milwaukee Police Association endorses Gov. Walker

MADISON (AP) -- The Milwaukee Police Association has endorsed Republican Gov. Scott Walker in the recall election.

The endorsement announced Wednesday, April 25th comes a day after the statewide police union endorsed Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. That group, the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, is the largest police union in the state but it does not represent Milwaukee officers.

The Milwaukee union says it is endorsing Walker because he has shown unwavering support for safer communities.

The union has frequently clashed with Barrett during his eight years as mayor. The release issued by the union cites furloughs, reduced staffing and an Barrett's unwillingness to work on issues with them.

Most police and firefighters, including those in Milwaukee, were exempted from Walker's law effectively ending collective bargaining and forcing higher pension and health care payments from public union members.