by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Police, by nature, are methodical and concise and, by law, they tend to do things by the book.
Endorsing a candidate more than a year before an election is not “by the book” but that’s exactly what the Fraternal Order of Police did Friday morning when they announced their backing of Angela Corey for State Attorney. Corey is running against Jay Plotkin — they are the only two who have filed to date — to replace Harry Shorstein, who announced earlier this year he will not seek another term. Corey previously worked for Shorstein, but is now a prosecutor for State Attorney John Tanner in the 7th Judicial Circuit. Plotkin is the Chief Assistant State Attorney under Shorstein.
Nelson said the FOP overwhelmingly favors Corey and the vote was unanimous.
“We don’t take this lightly,” he said. “We don’t do endorsements easily and there may be other candidates that get into the race. We don’t believe in any of the other candidates.”
Corey spent 25 years with the State Attorney’s Office and over that time, said Nelson, developed a strong relationship with law enforcement officers in Duval, Clay and Nassau counties. Nelson said not only is Corey a champion of law enforcement, she’s also a huge advocate of victims of crime and victim’s rights.
“We believe this is important because Angela has been a supporter of law enforcement and the FOP for a long time,” said Cuba, who made the announcement outside the FOP headquarters on Beach Boulevard with several members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on hand. “I truly believe in loyalty.”
Corey left the 4th Judicial Circuit’s State Attorney’s Office early this year after a very public dispute with Shorstein and Plotkin. She said the endorsement — which comes a few months after receiving the endorsement of the local Republican Party — is great and isn’t coming so early that voters may forget who’s officially backing her during the campaign.
“I am both humbled and excited,” she said. “It sends a message to the public that they (the police) want me in this office.”
Corey said she doesn’t think the endorsement is too early considering the primary elections aren’t until September of next year.
“Not at all. The timing and the fact that it’s unanimous will speak volumes throughout the duration of this campaign,” said Corey, adding she’s not sure if the endorsement will discourage others from joining the race. “Their endorsement is critical to the State Attorney.”
Since entering the race, Corey has spent her days working and her nights and weekends campaigning. Things haven’t hit the near 24/7 stage, but she does admit doing both makes for very busy weeks.
“I have a wonderful basis of support, a wonderful family and campaign volunteers that are amazing,” she said. “Plus, I have a lot of energy.”
Corey said about April she will sit down and decide whether she can continue to work full-time while maintaining a healthy campaign.