Both candidates for U-S Senate were highlighting endorsements from law enforcement groups today, just days after the campaigns began to focus on the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Democratic Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin announced the support of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, a statewide police union that has endorsed a mix of Republicans and Democrats.  WPPA Director Jim Palmer said the organization endorsed Thompson in his 1994 and 1998 runs for Governor.  But Palmer says Thompson's campaign this year is more "extremist."

"While the WPPA has a great deal of respect for Tommy Thompson's tenure as Governor and enjoyed working with him on a variety of issues for many years, this does not appear to be the same Tommy Thompson that we knew so well," he says.

Palmer accused the Thompson campaign of a, quote, "embarrassing lie" for an ad it's running this week questioning Baldwin's support for the victims of September 11th.

The Thompson campaign released a statement trumpeting Thompson's endorsement by the Milwaukee Police Association.  Organization President Mike Crivello called Thompson someone who has demonstrated consistent support for public safety.