The Tennessee state GOP has been sending a man dressed in a bear suit and a highway trooper hat to the public appearances of Governor Phil Bredesen (D).

“The bear is a friendly reminder that the governor needs to 'bear' more responsibility," Chris Devaney, executive director of the state Republican Party, told the Associated Press.

The bear holds up signs that demand the governor give back campaign contributions from members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Reports have surfaced that THP troopers who contributed to the Bredesen campaign were more likely to win promotions.

Bredesen denies the reports, and points out that the state’s Safety Commissioner has said that campaign contributions from any trooper who wants their money back will be returned.