(Press Release) COLUMBIA - Gov. Mark Sanford's reelection bid received yet another major endorsement today, as the South Carolina Police Benevolent Association announced its support for his campaign.

We will ask our members, their friends and families, and all citizens who respect the strong and efficient enforcement of our laws to cast their ballots in the upcoming election in your favor, Dave Soderberg, president of the SCPBA, told Gov. Sanford in his letter announcing the organization's endorsement.

Comprised of law enforcement personnel from across the state; the SCPBA endorsement comes less than a week after the organization interviewed both candidates running for governor.  Soderberg, who also serves as a Lieutenant in the Goose Creek Police Department, said Gov. Sanford has made it clear over the past four years that his administration considers supporting law enforcement a top priority.

Gov. Sanford has shown a strong support for law enforcement in the past, and we believe his support for law enforcement is the best for our future, as well, Soderberg said.

We're incredibly honored to receive the endorsement of an organization made up of South Carolina's men and women working in law enforcement, said Sanford campaign manager Jason Miller. These brave men and women risk their lives every day to protect our state, and with their help Gov. Sanford will continue to make sure their interests remain a top priority in South Carolina.

The SCPBA endorsement is the most recent call for support for the Sanford campaign from law enforcement officials.  Just a few weeks ago, a group of five sheriffs from across the state announced their support for the governor in the November election. 

Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright, Saluda County Sheriff Jason Booth, Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon, Jr., Dorchester County Sheriff Ray Nash, and York County Sheriff Bruce Bryant all said Gov. Sanford has made it clear that supporting law enforcement is a top priority of his administration.