Daily Press:State police irked over Allen flier featuring troopers

[rogue emissary]

By BOB LEWIS
AP Political Writer
June 22, 2006
RICHMOND, Va. -- A political flier with a photo of Republican Sen. George Allen flanked by six Virginia state troopers has the agency's chief irked.

The state police superintendent, Col. Steve Flaherty, said Thursday he called Allen's campaign to voice concerns that the photo, shot last summer at Quantico during a visit by President Bush, was appropriated for campaign use.

The state police has a long-standing policy of remaining apolitical and nonpartisan. Though the flier does not say that the agency or officers endorse Allen, Flaherty says he becomes concerned when troopers' pictures appear in political publications.

Flaherty said the troopers wanted to be photographed with Allen, but did not expect the picture to show up later in campaign material.

"Our people are usually around when significant events go on and they like to have their pictures taken with leadership. Unfortunately, sometimes they (the pictures) get used in that fashion," Flaherty said in an interview.

"We don't endorse candidates and we try very hard to walk a fine line," he said. . . http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--allenflier0622jun22,0,6090462.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia