LAPD Chief Bratton Endorses Obama

Though he describes himself as "an independent," Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton said he decided to endorse Barack Obama because:

Democrats are much more supportive on policing issues. Republicans are just not good on local policing.

According to the Los Angeles Times Chief Bratton recording an automated telephone message on behalf of  Democratic candidate which challenges Republican John McCain’s "record on policing issues and extolled Obama’s," Bratton said in an interview. 

Bratton had supported Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary, and this phone message apparently is the first time Bratton has stepped up to campaign on behalf of Obama. 

Per the LA Times, the call is bound to refuel incessant rumors that Bratton is looking to land the top spot at the FBI or Homeland Security in a Democratic administration next year.  Bratton has staunchly dismissed the idea, saying he is committed to remaining LAPD chief until the end of his term in 2012.

Bratton says he acted in response to a telephone message recently made by former Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani in support of McCain and critical of Obama’s law enforcement bona fides. According to Bratton, the campaign held off from making fast use of it, opting not to send it out to potential voters on Thursday.

It was unclear when, or in which states, the campaign planned to use the recording. A spokesperson for Obama declined to comment.