INDIANAPOLIS | The re-election campaign of Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels got a boost Monday from the men and women in blue. He picked up the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police of Indiana.

"Governor Daniels has earned the respect and support of those of us who work in law enforcement and public safety and his door has always been open to us," FOP President Tim Downs said in a statement. "Mitch Daniels has worked hard to develop strong and effective relationships with law enforcement and he's always responded to our needs. The FOP appreciates Governor Daniels' leadership and we enthusiastically support his re-election."

The Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana endorsed the Republican governor last month. Cam Savage, a spokesman for the Daniels campaign, said the endorsements underscore a wide base of support in the race against Democrat Jill Long Thompson. Neither union backed Daniels four years ago.

"In the past several weeks, parts of our state have been hit hard by bad weather, and, of course, police officers, along with other first responders, are always on the scene, often risking their own safety, to help their fellow Hoosiers," Daniels said in a statement. "I look forward to continuing to work with the FOP in the years to come."