Former state senator, Bob Beers, endorses Gov. Jim Gibbons

(AP) - Former state Sen. Bob Beers is endorsing Gov. Jim Gibbons in his re-election bid.

Beers, a conservative Republican who lost in the 2008 election, praised Gibbons for opposing bigger government and new taxes.

Beers ran against Gibbons in the 2006 gubernatorial primary. He will co-host a fundraiser for Gibbons on Jan. 6 in Las Vegas.

Former longtime U.S. Rep. Barbara Vucanovich also has endorsed Gibbons.

Two challengers, former U.S. District Court Judge Brian Sandoval and former North Las Vegas Mayor Mike Montandon, have said they will run against Gibbons in the 2010 Republican primary.