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Why Did the FOP Endorse Before the Primary?

John Gibson

Lodge 73 endorsed Cheryl Musgrave for Evansville Mayor; the group usually waits until after the primary

Why did the local FOP endorse Cheryl Musgrave for Evansville mayor before the May Primary? WNIN’s John Gibson has one answer:

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 73 endorsed Musgrave over fellow Republican Natalie Rascher and Democrat Stephanie Terry.

After the announcement, FOP Vice President Mark Saltzman said this year’s election is an important one, saying the city faces a “crisis” with increased crime:

"And we also believe that most likely that this election is going to be won during the primary."

WNIN has reached out to the Terry campaign for a response to Saltzman’s comment.

Musgrave called the endorsement a great honor and promised full staffing, competitive pay, proper equipment, training, and vehicles for Evansville Police.

I asked her what she might have to cut to boost funding for the EPD

"I have two elections to win, the May Primary and the November General Election. Those details will come out at the appropriate time."

For her part, Rascher says she’s disappointed that she didn’t receive the FOP endorsement but is still committed to “backing the blue” and supports more training opportunities, investment in new equipment, and increased pay and benefits.