INDIANAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) - Current Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter is throwing his support to his top aide in the battle to find his replacement.

Carter announced his endorsement of Greg Zoeller Thursday in Schererville, according to a report in the Northwest Indiana Times.

He told those in attendance that Zoeller will continue to fight corruption in troubled Lake County.

"Indiana needs a skilled lawyer in that job," Carter said, according to the report. "He has been my one and only chief deputy, and you can trust him too."

Zoeller and Valparaiso mayor Jon Costas are fighting for the Republican spot vacated by Carter's announcement that he would not seek re-election. The state GOP will hold its convention June 21.

Costas has earned the endorsement of Gov. Mitch Daniels.

"Reform will continue on my watch," Zoeller said, according to the report. "Don't let my friendly face fool you. I can be a tough lawyer."

Zoeller worked as an aide to Dan Quayle, vice president during George Bush's administration. In 1996, Carter was nominated by the party to run for attorney general over Zoeller but lost. Carter rebounded with wins in 2000 and 2004.

Linda Pence, a prominent Indianapolis attorney, appears to have the Democratic nomination.

From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien via e-mail at john@legalnewsline.com.