INDIANAPOLIS | Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson on Wednesday named Gary Mayor Rudy Clay and Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. to a new advisory panel.

The region leaders are among a dozen Democrats designated co-chairs of the Mayors for Jill Committee. Long Thompson, a former congresswoman seeking to unseat Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels, said the mayors will help her campaign with fundraising, policy development and voter outreach.

"I am honored to have the support of these outstanding public servants," Long Thompson said in a statement. "Together we will work to rebuild our economy and bring prosperity and opportunity to all citizens and communities throughout Indiana."

Both Clay and McDermott supported Indianapolis architect Jim Schellinger in the May gubernatorial primary. Long Thompson scored a narrow victory over Schellinger by amassing a 10,000-vote advantage in Lake County.