At a GOP event today, Republican congressional candidate Dan Rodimer said a call by some progressive activists to shift funding from police to social services “is completely backfiring on Democrats.”
“The people are frustrated. They want to be protected,” he said during a barbecue at Sunset Park sponsored by Trump Victory, a joint venture between President Donald Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee.
The movement has not gained traction in the Democratic Party, and presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he is not in favor of defunding police.
Rodimer, who referenced his past as a professional wrestler by stating he would “take a folding chair to the establishment” if needed, said state and local leaders should determine any necessary changes for police departments.
“I do not believe in federal overreach,” he said. “I do not want a congressman in Maryland voting on how Nevada law enforcement officers should be regulated.”
Rodimer touted his endorsement from a coalition of Nevada police unions, including the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, the union for Metro Police officers.
In 2018, the association supported Democratic Rep. Susie Lee, whom Rodimer will face in November for the 3rd Congressional District seat.
Rodimer also said he thinks people are scared Biden would not be able to revive the economy, which has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
“I don’t trust Joe Biden to be able to bring it back,” Rodimer said. “I trust President Trump.”
State Assemblyman and retired Metro Police Officer Tom Roberts, R-Las Vegas, also spoke at today’s event.
Roberts, who spent over 30 years in law enforcement, said police have a difficult job and deserve more gratitude.
“This career field in law enforcement has been good to me and I believe the men and women who do it every day deserve a little thanks in light of all the anti-police sentiment you see on a day-to-day basis,” Roberts said.
But, he said, “I think the community overall supports law enforcement here.”