The VA State police are upset with Republican Senator George Allen over the use of a photo featuring six troopers in a recent campaign mailing. The photo was used in such a way that it gave the impression that the State Police endorse Senator Allen's re-election. The organization has a long standing policy of not endorsing candidates in political contests.
The chief of the Virginia State Police is irked by a political flier with a photo of Republican Senator George Allen flanked by six state troopers. The photo was shot last summer at Quantico during a visit by President Bush.State police superintendent Colonel Steve Flaherty says he called Allen's campaign to voice concerns that the photo was appropriated for campaign use. Flaherty also called Allen's opponent Jim Webb to express that the agency was not taking sides.
Flaherty says the troopers wanted to be photographed with Allen, but did not expect the picture to show up later in campaign material...
The story is from the Associated Press.