In another vote of confidence from a major fraternal/professional organization, Pat Toomey is accepting the endorsement of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association this morning.

Bruce Edwards, president of the association, hailed Toomey as “attentive, principled, and balanced,” saying the former congressman has a “commonsense approach to being tough on criminals, standing up to law enforcement, and protecting our national security.”

Toomey, seemingly alluding to his stance against trying Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in a civilian court, said that “in a post-9/11 world we rely on our law enforcement officials in new and challenging ways and it is crucial that we support policies that make it easier – not harder – for law enforcement officials to do their jobs.”

This is just the latest in a string of endorsements over the past six weeks, including support from the Fraternal Order of Police, the Pennsylvania Medical Society PAC, the American Medical Association PAC, and the National Federation of Independent Business.

Toomey’s also won the support of individuals like Maine’s moderate Susan Collins, former Gov. Tom Ridge, and most recently, John Lehman, former Secretary of the Navy in the Reagan administration.

Battle ‘10 spoke with Lehman about his endorsement here and here.

With this latest endorsement of Toomey’s campaign, Battle ‘10 spoke with Charlie Gerow, consultant and CEO of Quantum Communications, about the importance of Toomey’s supporters.

“What’s significant,” said Gerow, “is that even while crime is not at top of list as in some years in past, it’s always a big factor. The fact that crime fighting organizations are lining up behind Toomey says a lot, especially since his opponent tries to talk up his Homeland Security credentials.”

“The importance of these endorsements,” Gerow told Battle ‘10, is that each endorsing organization brings financial support or on-the-ground support, and in a tight election, their support among their membership and affiliates is significant in get out the vote efforts and [Election Day] turnout.”