The Arizona State Troopers Association this week withdrew its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema in the heated U.S. Senate race after members said they weren't properly consulted on the matter.

The association, which represents Arizona Department of Public Safety employees and retirees, had endorsed Sinema in the past three federal elections.

Sinema, a Democrat, is running against Republican U.S. Rep. Martha McSally in a nationally watched race that's basically neck and neck and has become increasingly heated as Election Day nears.

This year, some members told The Arizona Republic that the association's executive board voted to endorse Sinema without their input.

That led the association to send out a poll via email to members asking whether they wanted to endorse Sinema or stay neutral in the Senate race.

An email sent by the association to members on Oct. 22, which was obtained by The Republic, says that the recent poll showed "the membership has indicated a preference to stay neutral."

"All members are encouraged to vote for the candidate they personally support," the email said. "AZTroopers will refrain from any political statements concerning the race until the conclusion of the election."

The association's president did not return calls for comment.

Sinema had touted troopers' endorsement

Sinema touted the endorsement in a recent ad focused on her record on law enforcement and border issues. The ad no longer is running. Sinema's campaign said the ad had run its full course and a traffic change was ordered last Friday, unrelated to the endorsement issue.

A press release about the endorsement is still on Sinema's website. The release said the association recognized Sinema's "strong record of supporting law enforcement."

Sinema's brother is a police officer in Tucson and was featured in one of her campaign ads.

In a statement, the Sinema campaign said it respects the association's choice to withdraw the endorsement.

"We respect the association's decision to remain neutral given the divisive tone of the race and appreciate their support for Kyrsten's past three elections, as well as continued support from members and law enforcement officers across the state," Sinema spokeswoman Helen Hare said in an email.

Gregg Girard, an association member and retired sergeant, said some rank-and-file members were upset by the endorsement.

Dave McDowell, an association member and retired lieutenant, said members weren’t consulted for the board’s endorsement decision.

“That displeased a number of members, including myself,” McDowell said.

McDowell said he’s a McSally supporter, but doesn’t think the association should be endorsing politicians at all. Despite the association’s independence from DPS, endorsements still blur the lines and could push DPS into the political arena improperly, he said.

The association did not endorse Sinema's opponent either.

"The Troopers have spoken," McSally campaign spokeswoman Torunn Sinclair said in a text message.

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