David Krikorian, a promising independent running to represent Ohio’s 2nd district in Congress, won the endorsement of his local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police. A spokesperson for the group said, “[Krikorian] impressed the committee members in his interview.”

The district’s Republican incumbent won the union’s endorsement in 2006, but controversy and ambiguity over the death penalty kept her from receiving it this year. Apparently, Republican Schmidt was for the death penalty before she was against it.

The FOP is one of the more influential unions in the area and its endorsement is a powerful signal that Krikorian is a viable candidate in his race.