Roger endorsed by police group

Friday, Sept. 27, 2002 | 11:17 a.m.

The Las Vegas Police Protective Association voted Thursday to endorse veteran prosecutor David Roger in the district attorney's race.

"I think it's a huge boost to my campaign," said Roger, a chief deputy district attorney in the Major Violators Unit. "Voters have a great interest in knowing who law enforcement officers are supporting in the district attorney's race."

The executive board of the PPA, which represents about 2,100 Metro police and corrections officers, interviewed both candidates last week.

Roger, who has handled several high-profile criminal cases over the past 15 years, got the nod over his Democratic opponent, Assistant District Attorney Mike Davidson, an administrator who is being backed by retiring District Attorney Stewart Bell.

Detective Dave Kallas, executive director of the PPA, said this morning that both candidates were qualified, but Roger's experience as a prosecutor swayed board members.

"The primary objective of the district attorney's office is to prosecute cases," Kallas said. "As a lifelong prosecutor, David Roger has the experience to do the job that law enforcement and the citizens of our community expect."

Davidson, Bell's former law partner, said he was disappointed, but his failure to receive the PPA's endorsement won't affect his campaign theme that he is the only candidate in the race with experience running the district attorney's office.

"I would have preferred they endorse me," Davidson said. "I've got a lot of respect for the PPA. They've had a difficult choice. But I'm sure by the time this is over, we both will have our share of endorsements."

The PPA backing is the latest in a string of endorsements for Roger among law enforcement organizations.