The Iowa Democratic establishment continues to consolidate around Representative Bruce Braley for the open U.S. Senate seat. Representative Dave Loebsack (IA-02) posted on his Facebook page this morning,

Bruce, I’m in.

I’m proud to endorse Bruce Braley. We need someone in the U.S. Senate who’ll continue Tom Harkin’s legacy of fighting to strengthen the middle class and speaking out for those who don’t have a voice. I’m pleased to stand with him.

Looking forward to seeing you tonight at the Red, White, and Blue dinner!

We need someone who will continue Harkin’s legacy of speaking some unpopular truths, such as pointing out that a constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget “would require massive cuts to Social Security, Medicare and many other crucial programs” the middle class rely on. Sadly, we won’t hear that message from either Braley or Loebsack in the years to come.

UPDATE: Added the Braley for Iowa press release below.

SECOND UPDATE: Former Representative Leonard Boswell chimed in with his endorsement on January 18. I’ve posted it below. He praised Braley as “a tireless advocate for Iowa’s veterans.” That was a strong theme in Braley’s latest re-election campaign.

Excerpt from a Braley for Iowa press release, February 16:

DAVENPORT, IA — In a post on Facebook today, Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA-02) announced his endorsement of Rep. Bruce Braley for US Senate in 2014.  Last week, Braley announced he had formed a campaign committee to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Harkin in 2014.  

Loebsack and Braley have served in the US House together representing eastern Iowa since 2007.

Loebsack said, “I’m proud to endorse Bruce Braley for Senate.  For the last 30 years, Tom Harkin has showed us how to be a Senator who works to create a world full of opportunities for people who want to make a better life for themselves and their families.

Loebsack continued, “I have served with Bruce for six years now, and I can tell you from seeing his determination and work ethic up close there is no one at this time who is more ready to keep up the fight to strengthen middle class families and to make life better for Iowans. I am pleased to stand with Bruce. There is not a better choice in the Democratic Party, or in the state, to succeed Senator Harkin.”

Braley said, “I’m honored to have my friend Dave’s endorsement and support.  He’s a leader and a strong voice for Iowa’s working families.  I know he’ll be a strong ally not only in this campaign but long after as we continue working together to strengthen the middle class.”

Loebsack and Braley will appear together later today at the Scott County Democrats’ annual Red, White, and Blue Dinner in Davenport.  

Leonard Boswell Facebook status update from January 18:

‎Bruce, I’m in!

I’ve watched you fight passionately for Iowa’s small towns, big cities, and working families for the last six years in the US House. You’ve been a tireless advocate for Iowa’s veterans.

It’s time we got you elected to the Senate so you can be an even more effective voice for Iowa.

See you tonight at the Soup Supper in Indianola.

Braley for Iowa press release, February 18:

Leonard Boswell Endorses Braley for US Senate

DES MOINES, IA – With a post on Facebook today, former US Rep. Leonard Boswell became the second prominent Iowa Democrat in three days to announce their endorsement of Rep. Bruce Braley for US Senate in 2014.  On Saturday, Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA-02) announced that he was endorsing Braley.

Earlier this month, Braley announced he had formed a committee to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tom Harkin in 2014.

Boswell cited Braley’s work on behalf of rural Iowa and efforts for Iowa’s veterans in his endorsement.

Boswell said, “Bruce Braley has earned my endorsement and support.  Bruce was born in a small town, grew up in rural Iowa, and has lived in Iowa his whole life.  I’ve watched him fight passionately for Iowa’s small towns, big cities, and working families.  Bruce has been a tireless advocate for Iowa’s veterans.  He’s never forgotten where he’s come from, and he’ll be an even more effective voice for us in the US Senate.”

Braley said, “I’m honored to have Leonard Boswell’s endorsement.  For 16 years, Leonard worked tirelessly in the US House to support Iowa agriculture and make life better for Iowa farmers.  I’m proud to have someone with his experience in our corner as we begin this campaign to strengthen the middle class and grow Iowa’s economy.”

Tonight, Braley and Boswell will appear together as they address the Warren County Democrats’ annual Soup Supper in Indianola.