NATIONAL COALITION OF LATINO OFFICERS ENDORSES CHRISTIE FOR REELECTION

(Bridgewater, NJ) –The National Coalition of Latino Officers (NCLO) announced today that is has officially endorsed Governor Chris Christie in his 2013 campaign for reelection. The Coalition represents uniformed police officers in various departments from across New Jersey and the northeast. The board voted by a 17-1 margin to endorse Governor Christie on Monday evening.

“It is an honor to announce our Coalition’s support of Governor Christie, which he has earned for his leadership, his willingness to listen to our concerns, and for always putting the best interests of New Jersey first,” said Officer Antonio Hernandez, President of the Coalition which was formed in 2012. “Our Coalition believes in unity, cooperation and inclusion to best strengthen our communities and keep them safe for the residents we are sworn to protect. We believe Governor Christie shares those values and we’re excited to offer our support.”

The NCLO President was also installed earlier this year as a voting Board Member within the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey, which unanimously endorsed Governor Christie back in February – the first time in its history it backed a Republican for statewide office.

“I want to thank Officer Hernandez for his leadership and the Coalition’s formal endorsement today. I think this announcement represents what I hear and see every day across the State of New Jersey. People want leaders who will cut the rhetoric and instead work to solve problems no matter how big the challenge, and that’s exactly what my administration is doing to get New Jersey moving again,” said Governor Christie. “I look forward to continuing the work and positive dialogue we’ve developed with the NCLO, as they will be a valued partner in the months and years ahead.”

The Coalition’s backing is the second law enforcement organization to endorse Governor Christie, following on the Port Authority PBA’s announcement earlier this year. The New Jersey Career Fire Chief’s Association also announced its endorsement of Governor Christie last week.