The Council of Metropolitan Police and Sheriffs (COMPAS) has endorsed Republican Dino Rossi for governor.
   COMPAS represents the men and women of law enforcement employed by the Seattle Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office and the Port of Seattle. This is Rossi’s first labor endorsement.
   “I am proud to have the support of such a major law enforcement organization,” said Rossi. “The men and women of the Seattle PD, the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Port of Seattle do the hard work every day and night that keeps citizens safe and secure.
   “As governor, I will work with law enforcement across Washington to make sure we’re supporting our police officers and sheriffs’ deputies.”
   When he served in the state Senate from 1997 to 2003, Rossi spearheaded a variety of public safety legislation, including: The “Mary Johnson Act” requiring ignition interlock devices on vehicles of chronic DUI offenders; the “Dane Rempfer Bill” punishing drivers who flee the scene of an accident; and the, “Two Strikes and You’re Out” law sending criminals who rape and molest children to jail for life after the second conviction.
   Although he expects the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association to endorse Democrat Christine Gregoire (it has endorsed a Democrat every election since 1984), Rossi said he will put a high priority on supporting law enforcement and public safety issues as governor. “The men and women who put their lives on the line to protect public safety will have an ally in the Rossi administration,” said Rossi.