INDIANAPOLIS | Gov. Mitch Daniels sent state Republican Party leaders a letter Monday endorsing Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas' bid for Indiana attorney general.

Costas is vying for the GOP nomination against New Albany native Greg Zoeller, who has served as Attorney General Steve Carter's chief deputy since 2001. The winner will join a November ticket that figures to feature two other southern Indiana names -- Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and Greater Clark County Schools Superintendent Tony Bennett, who is running for state schools superintendent.

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

"Mayor Costas is a proven vote-getter and progressive leader of one of the best cities in our state. ... Jon is an accomplished attorney with 19 years of private practice experience."

Zoeller, a former aide to former Vice President Dan Quayle, declared his candidacy with the state party last week and campaigned Friday in Lake County. Republicans will slate their candidates for attorney general, lieutenant governor and schools on June 2 at the state party convention.

Costas, a part-time attorney specializing in elder law, hosted a Valparaiso news conference Monday to tout the governor's endorsement and announce he has filed the paperwork to run against Zoeller.

"I've been on the ballot three times (locally), and feel I can do well for the state ticket here in Northwest Indiana," Costas said. "It looks like it will go down to a convention vote. I look forward to that."

Linda Pence, an Indianapolis attorney, is the likely Democratic nominee for attorney general. The state Democratic Party convention is set for June 21.