Loebsack endorses Vernon for 1st District nomination

DES MOINES - A day after one of her competitors dropped out of the race, Monica Vernon landed the endorsement of next-door U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack.

Loebsack, who at one time represented Linn County, the largest population center in the 20-county northeast Iowa district, endorsed the Cedar Rapids city councilwoman based on working with her on a number of projects, especially flood recovery.

'Monica Vernon has proven time and again that when she sees a problem, she rolls up her sleeves, and brings people together to solve it,” Loebsack said. In addition to flood recovery after the historic 2008 flood, he mentioned Vernon's efforts to build a shelter for women and children.

'From raising the minimum wage to ensuring equal pay for equal work, I need Monica with me in Congress to fight for every Iowan to have a fair shake,” said Loebsack, a fifth-term Democrat from Iowa City.

Loebsack's endorsement comes the morning after Cedar Rapids businessman Ravi Patel announced he was withdrawing from the three-way race for the Democratic nomination.

That leaves Vernon and Cedar Falls advertising executive Gary Kroeger vying for the nomination to face first-term Republican Rep. Rod Blum. He's considered one of the most vulnerable members of the House because the 1st is one of the most Democratic districts represented by a Republican. President Barack Obama carried it by a 14-point margin in 2012.

Vernon welcomed the endorsement, saying Loebsack has been a source of encouragement.

'I look forward to working together to take back the 1st District and fighting to expand economic opportunity for Iowans across the state,” she said.

Vernon has received the endorsement of more than 30 elected Iowa officials as well as Teamsters Local 238 and Emily's List.