Biden makes first 2018 Iowa endorsement

DES MOINES - Former Vice President Joe Biden, who is thought to be putting together a 2020 presidential campaign, has made his first candidate endorsement in Iowa - the host of the first-in-the-nation presidential precinct caucuses.

Biden, 75, has endorsed state Rep. Abby Finkenauer for the Democratic nomination in Iowa's 1st District. The second-term Dubuque lawmaker was the coordinator of volunteers for Biden's 2008 Iowa caucuses campaign.

'I've had the chance to know Abby for the past 11 years, way back from the days she was organizing volunteers in Iowa in 2007,” Biden said in his endorsement announced Sunday. 'During her time as a state representative the last four years, she has stood up with courage and passion for working families across the state, and I can't wait to see her work for a better tomorrow for our country.”

Finkenauer is in a four-way race for the nomination to face two-term Republican Rep. Rod Blum, also of Dubuque. Courtney Rowe of Cedar Rapids, George Ramsey of Marion and Thomas Heckroth of Cedar Falls also are seeking the nomination in Tuesday's Democratic primary.

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