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Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, which represents more than 12,500 active and retired law enforcement officers, has endorsed Republican Melissa Brown in the 13th Congressional District.
"We endorsed Melissa Brown because through her experience as a nurse and a doctor she has revealed a dedication to helping others, and throughout her candidacy she has shown a strong commitment to supporting our officers," said Robert Eddis, president of Lodge 5.
"We know Melissa Brown will fight every day in Congress to protect our active officers and retirees. That is why we are proud to support Melissa Brown."
Brown faces Democrat Allyson Schwartz, Libertarian Chuck Moulton and Constitution Party candidate John McDermott.
In the spring, the FOP supported Ellen Bard in the Republican primary and Joe Torsella in the Democratic primary.
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Brown is in Israel this week attending a health care conference and meeting with that nation’s leaders on national security concerns.
The candidate promised to be a friend of Israel. On her trip, she will discuss Israeli efforts to secure its borders and contain terrorist organizations.
"This will be a personal fact-finding mission that will help guide my policy decisions concerning homeland security in Washington, D.C., as well as my foreign policy," she said.
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Schwartz is calling on Congress to return for a special session to take action on recommendations by the commission examining the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Congress is scheduled to be in recess until after Labor Day.
"Congress cannot afford to take a summer vacation and sit on the recommendations while there is clear evidence of a terrorist plan to attack our nation," Schwartz said.
Schwartz supports a commission recommendation that would create a single point of oversight within Congress to review homeland security.
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City Controller Jonathan Saidel on Friday endorsed Democrat Brendan Boyle in the 170th Legislative District race.
Saidel, a Democrat, lives in Bustleton and is a resident of the 170th district. The incumbent is Republican Rep. George Kenney.
Saidel, in comments at Northeast Philadelphia Democrats headquarters in Mayfair, said he’s backing Boyle for his experience studying public policy at Notre Dame and Harvard and managing finances for the military.
"Brendan is uniquely qualified for office, and I am happy to support him," the controller said.
Saidel and Boyle support state legislation that would provide property tax relief for Philadelphia senior citizens.
Saidel is expected to opt out of a bid for a fifth term as controller next year to begin focusing on the 2007 mayoral race.
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Boyle recently attended a fund-raiser at Finnigan’s Wake to increase voter registration and participation among young people.
He was joined by two other 20-something Democratic state House candidates — Mike Lavanga of Bucks County and his cousin, Rebecca Wall of Montgomery County.
"Voter turnout among those of us under thirty-five is simply too low, and we want to do our part to change that," Boyle said.
At the fund-raiser, dozens of people registered to vote.
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The Montgomery County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 14 has endorsed Democrat Ross Schriftman in the 152nd Legislative District race.
Schriftman faces Republican Rep. Sue Cornell in a district that includes portions of Somerton and eastern Montgomery County.
The Democrat, an employee benefit specialist, has been an adviser to the union on health insurance benefits. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com