LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKING. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen has become the only Democrat for a major office in the state this year to receive the endorsement of the New Hampshire Police Association.

The union represents more than 2,000 police officers from the New Hampshire State Police and from municipalities, as well as corrections officers. It earlier endorsed three Republicans: Gov. Chris Sununu and U.S. House candidates Matt Mowers and Steve Negron.

“Senator Shaheen has been a supporter of New Hampshire law enforcement and the law enforcement profession for her entire political career and 2020 has been no different,” said Mark Morrison, the association’s president. “She has consistently worked hand in hand with law enforcement on a variety of topics from law enforcement suicide awareness to securing funding for community policing efforts.

“As New Hampshire deals with the opioid epidemic and all forms of substance misuse, Senator Shaheen has actively supported law enforcement and the state of New Hampshire in efforts to deal with it,” Morrison said.

Shaheen has opposed stripping police officers of qualified immunity protection from civil lawsuits. Democratic U.S. House members Chris Pappas and Annie Kuster support ending qualified immunity.

“From serving on the front lines of the pandemic to confronting New Hampshire’s opioid crisis, Granite Staters trust our local law enforcement to keep them safe, and I will always have their back,” Shaheen said. “Throughout my career, I have fought to make sure they have the resources they need, especially during this pandemic, as state and local government budgets prepare for severe shortfalls.

“The men and women of New Hampshire law enforcement put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe and strong, and I have fought to increase resources for mental health services to make sure law enforcement have the support they need. I am honored to have their support in this campaign.”

Shaheen’s challenger, Republican Corky Messner, has been endorsed by the New England Police Benevolent Association.