Police Association Supports Bid To Unseat U.S. Senator Feingold MADISON (Nov.17,2003) - The Wisconsin Professional Police Association, the state’s largest law enforcement association, announced today its intention to recommend to its locals that they support Republican State Senator Bob Welch (R-Redgranite,WI) in his primary bid to unseat United States Senator Russ Feingold. “Bob Welch has been a committed proponent of public safety and law enforcement issues during his tenure in the state legislature,” said Lyle VanderWyst, president of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, and Sheboygan police officer. “As economic challenges and public safety concerns continue to confront this nation, bipartisan leadership of the type demonstrated by Bob Welch will be increasingly necessary.” The WPPA represents over 10,000 active and retired members from over 350 locals statewide. With over 70 years of service to law enforcement personnel, the WPPA is recognized as a leading law enforcement association in Wisconsin. “We all owe the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe a great debt,"  State Senator Welch says.  "I have always tried to fight for them in the State Legislature, and look forward to continuing that commitment to our law enforcement personnel in the United State Senate." Welch says he is honored and pleased to receive the endorsement of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association.  " Knowing that they, along with the Milwaukee Police Association and the Milwaukee Deputy Sheriffs' Association, are supporting my campaign for the U.S. Senate means a great deal to me personally, and I thank them for their support.”