Harold Schaitberger

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger at a rally for Jeanne Shaheen: Photo Credit: PolitickerNH.com

MANCHESTER-- The head of the International Association of Fire Fighters say the group's endorsement of U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) during the primary did not affect the group's reputation.

"Our reputation is based on loyalty, we don't treat our endorsement like a race track," IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger said in an interview with PolitickerNH.com. "We take a look at the issues and see which horses have stood with us on the issues."

The group announced its endorsement of Dodd in the same location where the group today endorsed former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen's (D-Madbury) senatorial campaign.

Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury) at a rally with the IAFF: Photo credit: PolitickerNH.com

MANCHESTER -- Flanked by firefighters wearing their signature black-and-gold T-shirts, Jeanne Shaheen said they can count on her if she is elected in November.

Shaheen was joined by International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold Schaitberger and Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire President David Lang. After the rally in Manchester, the trio attended a chili event in Hampton.

The Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire has announced they will hold events for former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury)'s U.S. Senate campaign later this week.

The fire fighters will hold a rally on Thursday in Manchester at a fire station and then head to the seacoast for a chili event and rally in Hampton. The chili events became a staple in the 2004 New Hampshire primary with U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.).