Politics

Edwards lands PBA endorsement; Shelley joins 'Seniors for Chuck'

Stan Shelley is shown with state Sen. Chuck Edwards, who is running for Congress.

By Lightning Reports, Published: April 10, 2022

Citing political support that he said is "snowballing" by the day, state Sen. Chuck Edwards touted an endorsement from the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association and announced that longtime conservative activist Stan Shelley had joined "Seniors for Chuck" in his campaign for the 11th Congressional District.

After a series of interviews of candidates for the seat currently held by freshman Madison Cawthorn, the PBA announced Thursday that it is endorsing Edwards.

“We are proud to endorse Chuck Edwards for Congress,"NCPBA President David Rose said in a news release. "He has a proven track record as a business owner, community leader and public servant. During his time in the North Carolina Senate, he has been a fierce advocate against those that would want to defund the police or otherwise erode their abilities to serve the public."

"It is one of my life’s highest honors to receive this endorsement from the largest and most active law enforcement advocacy association in North Carolina,” Edwards said. “These brave men and women place themselves at risk to promote public safety, create community bonds, and uphold the rule of law so that individual liberty may flourish.” He added, “I am grateful that they recognize I have their backs.”

"I'm often asked how is my congressional campaign going," Edwards said in an email to supporters. "The answer: Our support, and momentum are snowballing with each passing day."

Edwards announced that Shelley, the longtime downtown jewelry store owner, rare book collector and conservative activist, had joined the growing "Seniors for Chuck" group.

"We are seeing that senior and veterans' benefits are being attacked during this primary race," Edwards said in a campaign update issued Saturday. "I am committed to keep the promises we've made to these individuals that paid into Social Security all their lives, and I won't ask them to return to work to get those benefits."