Unions representing law enforcement officers in central New York are throwing their support behind former federal prosecutor John Katko in his race against Democratic incumbent Rep. Dan Maffei for the 24th Congressional District seat.
Syracuse Police Benevolent Association President Jeffrey Piedmonte says the main reason he’s speaking out is because he’s irritated about Democratic attack ads that accuse Katko of being light on crime, especially in connection with the plea agreement offered to former Oswego Mayor John Gosek for a sex crime.
“The truth is John prosecuted the case, the politician pled guilty, had to resign from office, went to federal prison and served his sentence," Piedmonte said. "The judges are the ones who make the determination of who gets what sentence.”
Piedmonte called Katko tough on crime and says the Republican played a key role in putting away some of the most dangerous criminals in Syracuse.
Also endorsing Katko were unions that represent state troopers, the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department and the Upstate New York Police Benevolent Association. Katko is facing Democrat incumbent Dan Maffei in the November election, and recent polls have Maffei ahead by eight points.
