INDIANOLA, Iowa — U.S. Vice President Joe Biden was one of the featured speakers at 36th Annual Steak Fry, the proceeds of which go toward To Organize a Majority PAC.

The event was hosted by Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, on Sunday at the Warren County fairgrounds in Indianola.

The audience also heard from Harkin as well as Reps. David Loebsack and Buce Braley, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, Board of Regents member Ruth Harkin.

Braley, who currently is seeking the senator seat that will be  open when Harkin retires at the end of his term, kicked off the speakers.

“I am proud that Tom Harkin is my friend, my mentor and my hero, and that’s why I am so honored to have the opportunity to walk in the Senate chamber when Tom Harkin walks out for the last time,” Braley said. “This day isn’t about me, this day is to celebrate an amazing senator, an amazing human being and an amazing American. So I think it’s appropriate for us say thanks, Tom.”

Harkin then took the stage and addressed the crowed by introducing his two key speakers for the afternoon. 

He thanked everyone who participated and volunteered in putting together the event, as well as other congressional members who were in attendance.

Harkin then endorsed Braley on stage.

“Folks, you have been so kind and generous to me in all of the years I have represented you in both the House and 30 years in the Senate,” Harkin said. “I want you to know there is only one person I want to pass that baton to, and that’s our next United States’ senator, Bruce Braley.”

Braley also got support from Castro.

The mayor from San Antonio focused his speech on education and the capabilities for middle-class Americans to be able to afford education of any level.

Biden then took the stage by also endorsing Braley’s campaign for in the race for senator.

“I’ve gotten to get to know Bruce,” Biden said. “Tom admires him, and it’s why I think he is going to be a great senator. He is absolutely authentic. I told Bruce I would come campaign for him or against him, whichever would help him most.”

Biden then talked about the issues with which President Barack Obama currently is dealing. 

He talked about the plan to end the war in Afghanistan, helping the middle class and employment, as well as continuing with the Affordable Health Care Act.

“The president and I have had a laser focus on one thing: raising up the middle class,” Biden said.

The Steak Fry was concluded with the reassurance that there will be another next year.