Harkin endorses Clinton before Iowa State Fair

Former Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin (D) has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton ahead of her appearance at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday.

“As Iowans and as a nation we fought back from a terrible recession, but we are making progress. Now it’s time for a president who can create a stronger future,” Harkin wrote in Friday’s Des Moines Register.

{mosads}”As Democrats, we’re fortunate to have a slate of candidates that are all fine individuals, but we need a fighter who has a record of getting things done and the vision for the future that will build on the progress we’ve made. For my wife, Ruth and I, that candidate is Hillary Clinton,” Harkin added.

Harkin praised Clinton in his op-ed for “championing the needs of children” and advocating broader access to healthcare, education and jobs, among other issues.

The endorsement from the longtime liberal lawmaker, who left the Senate in December, comes amid a surge by Clinton rival Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who has run to the left of her in some areas.

In Iowa, a CNN/ORC poll found Clinton leading Sanders 50 percent to 31 percent, but another left-leaning Public Policy Polling survey this week found Clinton losing to four GOP candidates there.

Clinton, who is campaigning in Iowa on Friday and Saturday, has given focus to the Hawkeye State after finishing third there during her last White House bid in 2008. Harkin endorsed Barack Obama over Clinton during that Democratic race. She is the only Democratic candidate not scheduled to speak at this year’s Des Moines Register Presidential Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair, but she is expected to make an appearance at the fair. 

The former secretary of State attended Harkin’s annual Steak Fry last year while she was mulling a bid, where he praised her efforts for Obama’s signature healthcare law.