Tom McKone, the Democratic candidate for the Florida House District 48 seat held by Rep. Peter Nehr, has received the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 43, in Pinellas.
 McKone has pledged his support for the organization’s efforts to preserve their Florida Retirement System benefits.
“Law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to protect the citizens of
Florida; we must protect their benefits.” McKone said.  “My opponent, Peter Nehr, is not representing our retired citizens; he has voted to cut the benefits of these brave men and women.”
But Nehr, a Tarpon Springs Republican who is seeking a third term, said he has the endorsement of “many, many” organizations in including the Police Benevolent Association. Nehr said he was named the Florida Police Chiefs Association legislator of the year in 2009.
“Every fire department in district 48, even East Lake who he (McKone) represents as a commissioner, is endorsing me,” Nehr said. “In no way am I not for the people who protect our freedom and our safety as I have shown many,many times.”
McKone is currently the chairman of the East Lake Fire District commission.

Other FOP endorsements:

Circuit Judge, Grp 18            Patricia "Trish" Muscarella
Circuit Judge, Grp 27            Keith Meyer
Florida House, D50               Ed Hooper (R)
Florida House, D51               Janet C. Long (D)
Florida House, D52               Bill Heller (D)
Florida House, D53               Rick Kriseman (D)

Demorris A. Lee, Times staff writer