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U.S. Rep. John Kline endorsed Darlene Miller to replace him in the Second Congressional District, saying she has the "the conservative values and real world experience we need."

The Republican Congressman highlighted Miller's leadership of Permac Industries, which manufactures precision machine parts, and said she knows how to create jobs.

Kline favored Miller in a discussion with reporters about the GOP field last month, though he voiced some concern that none of the candidates had raised enough money. Former talk radio host Jason Lewis, former state Sen. John Howe and engineer David Gerson are also vying to succeed Kline on the Republican side. Democrats have already united around former St. Jude Medical executive Angie Craig.

"In Congress [Miller] will help rein in federal spending, help combat the threat of terrorism, and get our economy moving," Kline said in a statement. "That is why I believe Darlene Miller is the Republican candidate who can and will win in November."

This morning, Miller said in a statement that she was excited to have his support.

"He has been a champion of conservative ideals," she said.