Marion County Democrats

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed challenger Melina Kennedy, a Democrat, over incumbent Republican Mayor Greg Ballard and Libertarian Richard Kent in the Indianapolis mayoral race.

The vote was taken Thursday night after the three candidates spoke to the FOP.

Last month, Kennedy announced a crime plan that included a promise of putting 100 more police officers on the streets.

"I am pleased to earn the endorsement and grateful to the FOP and the officers for their support," Kennedy said.

Ballard released a statement that said the endorsement of his opponent wasn't surprising.

"I have brought changes and greater accountability to IMPD through performance standards, merit-based promotional polices and stronger behavioral policies," Ballard said.

The FOP’s support helped boost Ballard to win four years ago, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

Political experts said Kennedy’s endorsement is historic because she is the first Democratic candidate to receive a nod from the FOP since the Unigov began.

Kennedy said she believes she earned the endorsement because of her platform on crime.

“(Ballard) is not leading on crime. The one issue he said he would take control of, frankly, he's lost all control. There needs to be new leadership," Kennedy said.

Ballard rejected Kennedy's assertion and said the endorsement doesn't mean much.

"It's probably a small vocal group. Change is hard; there is no question about it. But when they go into the voting booth I expect most of IMPD will be voting for us," Ballard said.

FOP President Bill Owensby said change may be hard but they’re willing to take a chance.

"There have been issues that some of our membership just cannot get over that hasn't gone well. We're willing to take that gamble again with another candidate," Owensby said.

Owensby said the FOP has been battling the city on contacts and pensions, and the legal defense fund is $12,000 a month over budget.

Geroge Geib, a history professor at Butler University, said endorsements can make or break a candidate.

“Four years ago when the mayor was a challenger running for office, he made much of the FOP endorsement. In fact, he attributed his victory in part to it. The fact that he did means that we need to treat it seriously this time around," Geib said.