By Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor

The primary is half a year away, but Patrick Murphy has already pulled in a major endorsement for his bid for Attorney General.

Former Governor Ed Rendell, a powerhouse in Pennsylvania Democratic politics, has thrown his support behind the former congressman.

“Patrick Murphy has prosecuted terrorists and served our country in combat. He has battled for civil rights and economic justice for all Pennsylvanians. He has fought to eliminate fraud in our government and to put more cops on our streets to battle crime,” said Rendell in a Murphy campaign press release. “He is tough, smart and experienced. As Attorney General, I know that Patrick will stop at nothing to protect the people of this Commonwealth, and that’s why he has my support.”

“Few have done more for the Commonwealth than the Governor,” Murphy said. “I’m honored to have Gov. Rendell’s support and I look forward to working with him to make Pennsylvania a better, safer place to live and work.”

Murphy has aggressively sought endorsements from Democrats across the state and has already locked down dozens of party figures. Rendell’s is certainly the most significant so far. He maintains a strong fundraising network, and the former Philly Mayor still carries a lot of weight among the sizable southeast PA contingent.

However, Rendell could be a liability if Murphy makes it to the general. The former Guv finished his second term with very low job approval numbers – 28 percent according to this October 2010 Franklin & Marshall poll (PDF) – and appeared in a number of Republican attacks during last year’s cycle.

Here’s the full release:

Gov. Ed Rendell Endorses Patrick Murphy for AG
Rendell Says Murphy’s Toughness and Experience Makes Him the Right Person for the Job

(Philadelphia, PA) – Today, former Governor Ed Rendell endorsed Iraq war veteran and former prosecutor Patrick Murphy for Pennsylvania Attorney General.

“Patrick Murphy has prosecuted terrorists and served our country in combat. He has battled for civil rights and economic justice for all Pennsylvanians. He has fought to eliminate fraud in our government and to put more cops on our streets to battle crime. He is tough, smart and experienced. As Attorney General, I know that Patrick will stop at nothing to protect the people of this Commonwealth, and that’s why he has my support,” said Rendell. “Patrick is the son of a police officer – a regular blue collar guy who hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He understands the problems that Pennsylvanians face and will be a fierce advocate for working families and for making our streets safer. As a former federal and military prosecutor, he knows that reducing narcotics trafficking can substantially decrease street crimes like robbery, burglary and assault.”

“One thing I know for sure: no one will get a pass under Patrick’s watch. He will fight crime wherever it exists – on the streets, in boardrooms, and in the corridors of Harrisburg. That’s what Pennsylvanians deserve, and that’s the type of leader we need,” Rendell added.

“Republicans in Harrisburg are pushing an extreme agenda that is hurting Pennsylvanians. Patrick is the only one in this race who has fought the GOP and won. And he’s the only one who has worked with leaders across the aisle to get things done for everyday folks. That’s the type of experience we need in our next Attorney General.”

“Governor Rendell is an iconic figure in Pennsylvania and across the country. He will forever be known as a leader that stood up for working men and women, and transformed Pennsylvania with innovative and principled ideas. Few have done more for the Commonwealth than the Governor,” Murphy said. “I’m honored to have Gov. Rendell’s support and I look forward to working with him to make Pennsylvania a better, safer place to live and work.”