President Makes Endorsement In Bucks Congressional Race

President Barack Obama has made an endorsement in Bucks County's congressional race.

Obama on Monday announced he has endorsed Democrat Steve Santarsiero for Congress. Santarsiero is running against Republican Brian Fitzpatrick, the brother of incumbent Mike Fitzpatrick.

In his endorsement, Obama called Santarsiero a "commonsense leader" who will "get things done for the middle class."

"Steve Santarsiero is a champion for Pennsylvania’s families and isn’t afraid to take on the tough fights, like defending a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions, protecting Social Security and Medicare, making sure we keep our sacred promises to our nation’s veterans and their families, and addressing the crushing burden of student loan debt felt by so many of Pennsylvania’s students and families," the president said in a statement.

He called Santarsiero "tough and smart" and someone the people of Pennsylvania can count on.

The candidate, a current state representative, said he was "honored and humbled" to receive the president's support.

“Thanks to his leadership over these past eight years, our country emerged from an economic crisis more severe than any since the Great Depression. In Congress, I will be committed to continuing the progress Barack Obama has forged, fighting every day for a brighter future for our families and for generations to come," Santarsiero said.

Pennsylvania’s 8th congressional district includes all of Bucks County and a portion of northern Montgomery County.