INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Legal Newsline)- Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels on Monday endorsed fellow Republican Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas for state Indiana attorney general.

Costas is running against Greg Zoeller for the Republican nomination. Zoeller has served as Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter's chief deputy since 2001.

"I have known both Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas and Greg Zoeller for years. I like and admire them both very much," Daniels wrote in a letter Monday to Republican State Committee members.

The Indiana GOP will choose its AG nominee June 2, at the state Republican convention.

"I have heard from a large number of party and civic leaders making the point that three-quarters of our 2008 ticket should not come from one geographical area, and I find I must agree," Daniels added.

"Fairness, balance, and political common sense all argue for supporting Mayor Jon Costas. I ask you to join me in doing so," Daniels said.

The governor called Costas a "proven vote-getter and progressive leader," who has gained a reputation as a "results-oriented problem solver whose city has been recognized for its efficiency and sound fiscal management."

Costas graduated from St. Joseph's College, Ind., then earned his law degree from Valparaiso University. He works at Burke, Costanza and Cuppy and is a former city council member.

Zoeller, who sought the Republican nomination for attorney general unsuccessfully in 1996, declared his candidacy with the state party last week.

He has served as chief deputy since 2001. He also served as Vice President Dan Quayle's public liaison and before that as Quayle's aide when he was an Indiana senator.

Linda Pence, an Indianapolis attorney and a former lawyer for the U.S. Department of Justice, is the likely Democratic nominee for attorney general. The state's Democratic Party will slate its nominee at its state convention June 21.

Carter, a Republican, announced he would not seek a third term in office. He was re-elected in 2004 with 1.4 million votes, the most ever for a statewide candidate in Indiana.

Carter is known primarily for his cultivation of the Do-Not-Call list that penalized telemarketers. He also utilized the state's Do Not Fax law in October when he filed suits against more than a dozen scofflaws.

From Legal Newsline: Reach reporter Chris Rizo by e-mail at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.