INDIANAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) - Indianapolis attorney Linda Pence is making her first rounds as an official candidate for Attorney General Thursday.

Only a few days after Republicans made their selection for the November general election, Pence is discussing her candidacy at six stops around the state, according to a report by The Associated Press.

"I am running for attorney general because Hoosiers need an independent voice to stand up for them," Pence said Wednesday, the report says.

"Whether it's fighting mortgage and consumer fraud or battling the scourge of methamphetamine in our communities, Hoosiers deserve an attorney general who is tireless and relentless. I am ready for the challenge."

As is Greg Zoeller, the GOP candidate vying to replace outgoing Attorney General Steve Carter. Zoeller currently serves as Carter's Chief Deputy.

Zoeller earned Carter's endorsement, but not Gov. Mitch Daniels'. Still, the state GOP nominated him Monday.

Pence is best known as the lawyer hired by then-Gov. Frank O'Bannon to lead a state-sponsored probe into a massive fish kill in Indiana's White River in 1999. She currently works at Taft Stettinius & Hollister, which merged with her former firm Sommer Barnard May 1.

Pence has been named an Indiana Super Lawyer for four years in succession by the website SuperLawyers. She concentrates on complex federal business crimes and civil litigation of complex business disputes in fraud, RICO, anti-trust and securities violations, the site noted.

She has raised $248,000 in campaign funds since January.

From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien via e-mail at john@legalnewsline.com.