Biden Gets Two More State Rep Endorsements in Iowa

Days Until Bush Leaves Office = 394

That makes 16 total, for those keeping score at home. The momentum continues to build in Iowa!

Des Moines, IA (December 22, 2007) – Today, Sen. Joe Biden received endorsements from two key Iowa elected officials. State Representatives Dennis Cohoon of Burlington and Eric Palmer of Oskaloosa become the 15th and 16th Iowa State legislators to endorse Sen. Biden.

“I am supporting Sen. Biden because he’s the most prepared to be president from Day One,” said Rep. Cohoon. “And as a high school special education teacher for thirty years, I know Sen. Biden can accomplish the education reforms we need to get kids in preschool earlier and give them the opportunity to go to college.”

Rep. Palmer stressed Sen. Biden’s experience in world affairs and his commitment to civil rights: “The Des Moines Register talked about knowledge and experience in their endorsement. To me Joe Biden exhibits real knowledge and experience in foreign affairs and his understanding of the constitution, both qualities not exhibited by this White House. As Vice-Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, I am particularly impressed with Sen. Biden’s expertise in constitutional law, which will be critical to getting America back on track.”

In commenting on the endorsements, Biden for President National Political Director Danny O’Brien said, “These are two huge endorsements for Senator Biden that point to his growing momentum in the state. Eric and Dennis were highly sought after and the fact that they chose Joe Biden demonstrates that Iowans are beginning to focus in on what really matters in a president, authenticity and readiness for office.” Added O’Brien, who is also serving as Iowa State Director for the campaign, “We are very grateful to Eric and Dennis for stepping up at this critical time.”

In accepting the endorsement, Senator Biden said, “Getting the endorsement of two men I respect so much is a great tonic for the final push in Iowa. I know that what matters most in Iowa are the voices inside the caucuses who have the most respect from their constituents. That voice belongs to state and local officials. I have such tremendous gratitude for Rep. Cohoon and Rep. Palmer for their support and their confidence in our campaign.”

Rep. Dennis Cohoon was first elected in 1986 and has served in the Iowa State House for 21 years. He has been a high school special education teacher at Burlington Community High School for 30 years and is a member of the Iowa State Educators Association. Rep. Cohoon serves on several committees in the Iowa House: the Appropriations Committee, Education Committee, Local Government Committee, and Transportation Committee. He is also the Chairman of the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Capitals Appropriations Subcommittee.

Rep. Eric Palmer was elected to the Iowa State House in 2006 and is serving his first term. Prior to his service in the House, Rep. Palmer was an Oskaloosa City Councilman for 6 years, and he has been an attorney in Oskaloosa for 20 years. Rep. Palmer serves on several committees in the Iowa State House: the Education Committee, Human Resources Committee, Labor Committee, Ways and Means Committee and he serves as Vice Chairman of the Judiciary committee. Rep. Palmer also serves on the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee.

Reps. Cohoon and Palmer join an impressive group of Iowa state legislators who have endorsed Senator Biden including: State Sen. Joe Seng (Davenport), House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Des Moines), Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Polly Butka (Clinton), Rep. John Whitaker (Hillsboro), Rep. Doris Kelley (Waterloo), Rep. Lisa Heddens (Ames), Rep. Jim Lykam (Davenport), Rep. Mike Reasoner (Creston), Rep. Dick Taylor (Cedar Rapids), Rep. Roger Thomas (Elkader), Rep. McKinley Bailey (Webster City), State Senator Herman C. Quirmbach (Ames), Rep. Mary Gaskill (Ottumwa) and Rep. Bruce Hunter (Des Moines).

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