FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2007

CONTACT:
Dan Leistikow

Waterloo, Iowa – Today, at a community meeting in Waterloo, Congressman Bruce Braley is endorsing Senator John Edwards for president.  Braley is the most senior Iowa Democrat to endorse a candidate during this campaign, and is supporting Edwards because he believes Edwards is the best candidate to take on the special interests, take back the White House and bring real change to our country.  Braley’s endorsement comes as Edwards continues to gain support throughout the state.  Last week, more than 50 county elected officials announced their support for Edwards at a meeting of the Iowa State Association of Counties.

"Today, I'm proud to endorse John Edwards for president," said Braley. "Throughout this campaign, on issue after issue, John has proposed bold ideas to end the power of special interests in Washington and restore our government to the American people.  John is the only Democratic candidate who grew up in rural America, and he has most specific, most progressive and most far-reaching ideas.  I truly believe he is the best Democratic candidate to lead us to victory in 2008. With his leadership, I believe we can make his vision of One America a reality."

“I am honored to receive Bruce’s support,” said Edwards.  “He is a true leader and a strong voice on behalf of Iowa’s families.  Bruce is committed to ending the power of special interests and making sure all hard-working Iowans have the opportunity to work hard, get ahead, and leave their children a better future.  I look forward to joining with Bruce to change our country.”

Braley was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006 and represents Iowa’s first congressional district. He serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure where he is Vice-Chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. He also serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Small Business, and is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology.

Like Edwards, Braley worked hard to help pay his way through school.  After earning a law degree, Braley worked as an attorney to protect workers and hold corporations accountable to their employees and consumers.

Today’s announcement builds on Edwards’ growing momentum in Iowa, including:
October 15: The Iowa State Council of the SEIU endorses Edwards, followed quickly by the endorsements of 11 other SEIU state councils representing more than a million SEIU members.

October 18: Edwards wins the endorsement of the Iowa Postal Workers Union – representing workers in all 99 Iowa counties.

October 27: Edwards becomes the first candidate to visit – and take questions from Iowans – in all 99 Iowa counties.

November 9:  Caucus for Priorities, representing 10,000 Iowa caucus goers, endorses Edwards.

November 9:  Edwards becomes the first candidate to announce County Steering Committees in all 99 counties, reaffirming the growing strength of his statewide organization.

November 10:  At the Iowa Democratic Party’s Jefferson Jackson Dinner, Edwards is the first candidate to speak and delivers a rousing call for Americans to rise up and meet “the great moral test of our generation” – ensuring that our kids have a better life than we’ve had.

November 11:  Edwards releases an 80 page policy book entitled: "The Plan to Build One America," and announces that more than 100,000 copies of the book will be delivered to Iowa caucus goers in the coming weeks.

November 15: Edwards is endorsed by State Representative Bob Kressig, who believes Edwards has the boldest plan to strengthen our schools and ensure every child receives a great education.

November 27: All three Poweshiek County Supervisors endorse Edwards for president. Supervisors Lamoyne Gaard and Doug Shutts from Grinnell and Supervisor Ellie Snook from Montezuma are all supporting Edwards as the best candidate to take back the White House and change our country.

November 28: Twelve Iowa education leaders, who hold leadership roles in Iowa's largest teachers’ association, endorse Edwards.

November 29: At the Iowa State Association of Counties event, Edwards earns the endorsement of 52 county elected officials and outlines his plan for a “New Partnership” with local communities.