A group representing more than 500 active and retired Kansas Highway Patrol troopers is endorsing Attorney General Phill Kline for re-election.

The Kansas State Troopers Association cites the Republican incumbent's consistent support for tougher criminal penalties.

Kline's campaign also notes today that he has been endorsed by 89 of the state's 104 sheriffs.

Kline says the endorsement shows that he has worked to get law enforcement agencies the tools they need to be successful.

The campaign manager for Democratic challenger Paul Morrison is discounting the endorsement.

Mark Simpson says the endorsement is political, and it commonly goes to incumbents.