White House hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersSirota reacts to report of harassment, doxing by Harris supporters Republicans not immune to the malady that hobbled Democrats The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election MORE (I-Vt.) unveiled the endorsements of 85 union members in Iowa as he works to shore up support for his progressive bona fides against a surging Sen. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenOvernight Defense: Appeals court revives House lawsuit against military funding for border wall | Dems push for limits on transferring military gear to police | Lawmakers ask for IG probe into Pentagon's use of COVID-19 funds On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump's 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package Warren, Khanna request IG investigation into Pentagon's use of coronavirus funds MORE (D-Mass.).

The endorsements were announced on the “Bernie beats Trump” tour in Iowa during which Sanders is visiting counties that voted for former President Obama in 2008 and 2012 and for President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE in 2016 to help ensure skeptical voters that he can beat Trump in a general election.

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“Right to work laws have been on the books in Iowa for over seventy years so it’s not hyperbole to say workers’ rights have been under attack here for generations. With Sen. Sanders’ Workplace Democracy Plan, Iowa’s Chapter 20 and so-called ‘right to work’ law will be a thing of the past,” said Bernie 2020 Iowa State Director Misty Rebik, referring to state law that bans union workers from negotiating contracts that require all those who would benefit to contribute to the cost of union representation.

“These union workers standing with Bernie Sanders are going to help us repeal right to work in Iowa once and for all.”

The endorsements come from members of several unions, including the autoworkers of America and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Sanders has cast himself as a staunch ally of unions and other labor movements, unveiling his “Workplace Democracy” plan in August that would, among other things, seek to double union membership in his first term and boost middle-class wages. The Vermont Independent is joining teachers striking in Chicago and auto workers with the United Auto Workers union picketing against General Motors in Detroit this week.

The announcement comes as Sanders and Warren battle for the primary field’s progressive mantle. Recent statewide and national polls have showed Sanders ceding support to Warren as the Massachusetts Democrat continues to surge, even leapfrogging frontrunner Joe Biden Joe BidenFormer Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick Bloomberg rolls out M ad buy to boost Biden in Florida MORE in a couple of surveys.