Kevin Haistings

SEATTLE -

Dino Rossi accepts the endorsement of the Seattle Police Officers' Guild: Politicker photoThe Dino Rossi for governor campaign held a press conference today at the Seattle Police Officers' Guild headquarters in SoDo to announce the Guild's endorsement of Rossi for governor. The Seattle Guild, which represents 1202 officers and sergeants in Seattle, did not endorse either candidate in 2004.

Sergeant Richard O'Neill, President of the Seattle Police Officers' Guild said the endorsement was based in large part on their belief that Rossi would not allow the early release of convicted felons from prison, and that he would do better to improve the police officers' retirement system.

"Dino's proven leadership and continued commitment to law enforcement and public safety will serve the citizens of Washington well," O'Neill said in a press release accompanying the conference.  "We look forward to his continued support of the men and women of law enforcement and working closely with him in the future."   

Kevin HaistingsLongtime Seattle Police Officer, Republican Kevin Haistings of Carnation, has announced his intention to run for Rep. Larry Springer's seat in the 45th District. Springer, the Democrat from Kirkland, is the House Majority Floor Leader and was first elected to his seat four years ago. Haistings has worked in law enforcement for 23 years, and is a past president of the Seattle Police Officer's Guild.

He plans to focus his campaign on reducing the achievement gap in the state's public schools, relieving congestion on the roads and "putting families before felons in public safety."