(CNSNews.com) - Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin endorsed Democratic frontrunner Howard Dean Friday, the third such major political endorsement Dean has received thus far. Former Vice President Al Gore and former Sen. Bill Bradley, who lost the Democratic nomination to Gore in 2000, have both endorsed Dean.

"This year, we have an exceptionally strong field of candidates. Each one is a talented well-qualified Democrat who would be a vast improvement over the current occupant of the White House," said Harkin.

"I like and respect each one of them, but for me, one candidate rose to the top as our best shot to beat George W. Bush and to give Americans the opportunity to take our country back. That person is Governor Howard Dean of Vermont," Harkin added.

The Iowa senator fired off at the president and strategist Karl Rove for allegedly plotting "to cheat even the lowest paid workers out of their overtime pay."

"We are tired of Karl Rove and George W. Bush's radical special interest agenda and there is no better example than earlier this week when they got together with their big business pals for cigars and martinis to plot how to cheat even the lowest paid workers out of their overtime pay," Harkin said.

"Iowans are fired up to take back the White House," said the senator.

Harkin's comments come on the heels of controversy over remarks Dean made four years ago suggesting that extremist groups control the caucuses.

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