The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Political Action Committee (VFW-PAC) announced that it has officially endorsed Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) in his bid for re-election to the United States Senate.

In a letter to the Iowa Senator, Director of the VFW-PAC Larry Rivers wrote, “In addition to comments received from VFW leaders in your state, this endorsement is based on your strong support for veterans, national security/defense, and military personnel issues.”

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee is the nation’s only major Veterans Service Organization PAC. VFW-PAC provides 2.2 million members of the VFW, its auxiliaries and their families, with an opportunity to collectively support candidates for federal office. VFW-PAC endorses only those candidates for federal office who support our nations’ veterans and stand in support of a strong national defense.

On September 14th, Senator Harkin hosted his 31st annual Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa. The Steak Fry was a huge success with approximately 1800 guests braving the high winds and low temperatures to attend the event.

Click here to read more about the 2008 Harkin Steak Fry

Click here for more pictures from this great event

On Monday, September 1st, Senator Harkin attended the Debuque Labor Day parade where he walked with supporters and greeted constituents along the parade route.

THonline.com had a full right up of the days events:

“Labor Day is a day that we honor that group of Americans that really built the middle class in this country,” said Sen. Tom Harkin D-Iowa, speaking to media before the parade. “I often joke that if you look up ‘middle class’ in the dictionary, you’ll find ‘see organized labor.’”

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Senator Harkin released the following statement in regards to John McCain and Sarah Palins visit to Iowa earlier today.

“It is unbelievable to me that the McCain-Palin ticket would come to Iowa to talk about the economy and not once mention biofuels, ethanol or wind energy when they make up one of the fastest growing sectors of our state’s economy. The renewable energy industry is creating jobs in Iowa, revitalizing our rural communities and making our nation more energy secure; yet the McCain-Palin ticket would like to turn back the clock on the progress we’ve made. The McCain-Palin visit to Iowa today was another reminder of how a vote for the Republican ticket would be a vote for four more years of the same failed policies of President Bush.

“In addition, with the state of our financial markets in crisis due to lax oversight and deregulation, I don’t see how anyone can think Senator McCain would have the answers to the current economic situation. Senator McCain has voted for every deregulation action he could. In fact, he was quoted in March as saying ‘I’m always for less regulation.’ But now he says that he wants to regulate Wall Street. It seems the only thing Senator McCain is capable of changing is his mind.”

Braving high winds and low temperatures, approximately 1,800 guests attended Senator Tom Harkin’s (D-IA) 31st Steak Fry in Indianola last Sunday. Over 1,600 meals of steak, chicken, and veggie burgers were served to guests as they enjoyed live music from local music group the Barn Owl Band and listened to Democratic leaders speak. This year’s keynote speaker was Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana.

Senator Tom Harkin introduced Governor Schweitzer to the steak Fry crowd, discussing what an asset he is to the Democratic Party:

Senator Harkin is proud to announce that Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer will be the keynote speaker at the 31st Harkin Steak Fry on Sunday, September 14.

“This year’s Steak Fry promises to be another great event and I am honored to have Governor Schweitzer as my guest. He is a wonderful friend and a successful, hugely popular Western Governor, as well as a major national Democratic political figure,” said Harkin. “His outstanding speech at the Democratic National Convention was truly inspirational and I know he will bring that same level of excitement to Iowa as we fire up for this year’s election.”

Last night Senator Harkin released the following statement in response to Senator John McCain’s speech at the Republican National Convention.

“Tonight’s speech from Senator McCain was simply more of the same from the Republican Party – the same false attacks and same policies that will hurt Iowa’s working families. Senator McCain has attempted to portray himself as a maverick who will lead our country in a new direction, but how can he do this when he has consistently voted with George Bush? Senator McCain even joined with the President in opposing the recent farm bill which passed with great bipartisan support.

“Americans want real change – better jobs at home, affordable health care and energy independence – and we need Senator Barack Obama as our next President.”