Incumbent Gov. Jim Doulgas (R-Middlebury) and his second in command Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie (R-Essex Junction) nabbed the support of the Vermont Troopers Foundation on Tuesday.

In a statement, the foundation said it endorsed candidates based on their records regarding law enforcement officials and their safety. The Vermont Troopers Foundation has endorsed Douglas in past elections.

The two Republican candidates promised that they would continue to work on behalf of troopers.

"I am proud to receive the endorsement of the Vermont Troopers’ Foundation," said Douglas. "As our Troopers work to keep our communities safe, I will continue to fight to ensure that they have the resources they need to do their job."

Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie added that: "Vermonters deserve a safe place to live and our Troopers are on the frontlines of making that happen. I'll continue to do all that I can to support their work to keep our families, children and communities safe."

According to their website, the Vermont Trooper Foundation aims to assist troopers and their families in times of need, and distributes the Vermont Trooper magazine about the lives of troopers.

In addition to the Vermont Trooper Foundation, Douglas has earned the support of the Professional Firefighters of Vermont. Douglas’ key challengers for governor are Democratic House Speaker Gaye Symington and Independent Anthony Pollina.

Symington's endorsements include the Human Rights Campaign, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England PAC, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), and Vermont Teamsters Local 1 and Local 597. Pollina has earned the coveted support of several of Vermont's largest unions, such as the Vermont State Employees Association, the Vermont AFL-CIO, and the recommendation of Vermont National Education Association.

On Tuesday, the Burlington Free Press endorsed Dubie, who faces Tom Costello, a Brattleboro attorney and former state legislature.

Link to Free press endorsement: http://burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20081021/OPINION/810210301