FOP endorses Brown over Mandel for US Senate

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio's largest police union has thrown its support behind Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown in the state's closely watched contest for U.S. Senate.

It marks the first time in 24 years the Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed a Democrat for Senate.

In a statement, President Jay McDonald cited Brown's opposition to Gov. John Kasich's collective bargaining overhaul as a key factor in its endorsement. The law curtailing the bargaining rights of public sector unions was repealed in a high-profile ballot campaign last fall.

The FOP picked Brown over Republican opponent and state treasurer Josh Mandel. The last time it favored a Democratic Senate candidate was in the 1988 contest between Democrat Howard Metzenbaum and Republican George Voinovich.

A spokesman said the group interviewed both candidates before Tuesday's announcement.