Attorney General Candidates Announce Endorsements

(KNSI) — Four local county sheriffs are among the growing list of law enforcement agents and agencies backing Jim Schultz in his bid for Attorney General.

Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck, Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka, Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen, and Wright County Sheriff Sean Deringer are among the 22 sheriffs giving their backing to Schultz.

In a press release, Schultz says, “I am beyond humbled to be endorsed by sheriffs from across the state. Over the past several months, I’ve been able to learn from these sheriffs about the specific concerns facing their counties and what the Attorney General can do to help them better protect their communities. From the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs to Greater Minnesota, our communities are hurting as a result of the failed leadership and reckless defund-the-police policies of Keith Ellison. As Attorney General, I will partner with our county sheriffs to make sure they have the tools they need to keep us safe. Together we will restore safety to our communities.”

Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Tuesday he has the backing of nine current and former county attorneys including Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman and former Hennepin County Attorney Senator Amy Klobuchar.

The Minnesota Peace and Police Officers Association also endorsed Schultz, with the MPPOA President David Titus saying, “With the drastic increase of gunplay and violent crime over the past few years – coupled with the crisis of retention and recruitment of cops – public safety is at a breaking point. Negative rhetoric about law enforcement needs to stop. It emboldens criminals and demoralizes cops. We need an Attorney General that understands this and is willing to address violent criminals and make victims the priority. The public’s safety is government’s first priority.”

Schultz will announce additional law enforcement endorsements in the coming weeks.

___