U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, a long-time Iowa congressman, has endorsed Democrat Pete Buttigieg for president.

One of three Democrats in Iowa's congressional delegation, Loebsack's backing is a high-profile boost for Buttigieg a few weeks before the caucuses on Feb. 3.

Loebsack is scheduled to introduce Buttigieg at a town hall Sunday night in Des Moines.

In an interview with the Des Moines Register ahead of the campaign's announcement, Loebsack praised the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor for having "a grasp of the issues" facing America. He also said the 37-year-old Buttigieg can best unite the nation. It's a message Buttigieg himself has highlighted in the final months of the crowded race.

"I think he has the capability to bring us together," the 67-year-old Loebsack said of Buttigieg. "And I think he has the capability to turn this country around, get it back on the right track, and provide the hope that we need."

Loebsack, a seven-term congressman, represents the Second Congressional District in southeast Iowa. In presidential races, it's a purple district where President Donald Trump garnered 49% of the vote in 2016, more than Democrat Hillary Clinton. Several counties in the district voted for Trump after voting for former President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012. Loebsack endorsed Obama in 2007, before Obama won the 2008 caucuses.

Buttigieg said in a statement Loebsack "has never let the partisan fighting in Washington get in the way of delivering on the priorities of his constituents.”

Loebsack, who will not seek reelection in 2020, said he is "willing to devote as much time" as needed to help Buttigieg win the Iowa caucuses. He previously introduced Buttigieg at a town hall in Mount Vernon in December.

U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne, a Democrat in Iowa's Third Congressional District, has not endorsed a presidential candidate. U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer, a Democrat in Iowa's First Congressional District, announced earlier this month that she endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden. Finkenauer has since campaigned alongside Biden at several events.

Biden has emphasized his experience as vice president and in Congress as part of his message to Iowans. Loebsack said he considered experience in selecting Buttigieg.

"I have every confidence that should he become president ... he will have the judgment to be able to get the people he needs around him," Loebsack said of Buttigieg.

Loebsack's endorsement comes on the same weekend that a new Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows support for Buttigieg has fallen 9 percentage points since November. He rejoins a cluster of candidates behind the poll's new leader, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, though the race remains fluid with a lot of undecideds.

In the Iowa Poll, Buttigieg has the largest share of people who say they are considering him as a first or second choice or are actively considering him at 60%, though that's down from 68% in November. (U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts is just behind him on that score, with 59% considering her in some fashion.)

Loebsack said in such a tight race, Buttigieg has inspired Iowans.

"There are a lot of people who want to have hope," Loebsack said. "They want more civility in our politics."

Buttigieg will campaign around Iowa throughout the next week and will appear on the Democratic debate stage Tuesday in Des Moines.

Barbara Rodriguez covers health care and politics for the Register. She can be reached by email at bcrodriguez@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8011. Follow her on Twitter @bcrodriguez.

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