The Independence Party has endorsed Steve Sarvi, the DFL-endorsed candidate for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District, according to a joint announcement from Sarvi and the IP.

Sarvi is running against incumbent Rep. John Kline, a Republican, elected in 2002 and in his third term.

“The Independence Party occasionally endorses a candidate from a different party when we do not have a candidate from our own party,” said Marian Brown, the IP 2nd District chair. “To be cross-endorsed, the candidate must agree with at least 75 percent of our key issues and meet several other qualifications. We look forward to having Steve Sarvi represent us in Congress.”

The party said in a news release that its “core values include preserving the democratic process, justice, social inclusiveness, fiscal responsibility and protecting the environment.”

“As I have gotten to know the members of the Independence Party, it has become clear to me that if anyone wants a change in course, it’s them,” said Sarvi.

Sarvi said he was “proud” to have the endorsement.

Sarvi, who has been in the U.S. military for 20 years, served in Kosovo and Iraq as a member of the Minnesota National Guard. He worked in local government from 1994 to 2008 as a city administrator in Lanesboro, Watertown, and Victoria, and was elected three times as mayor of Watertown.