Hoyer endorses Rep. Berman over Rep. Sherman

By Mario Trujillo - 10/24/12 01:09 PM ET

Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) endorsed Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) over Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) in their bitter member-member matchup.

It's unusual for leadership to endorse in these races, but Berman has been behind Sherman in the polls, indicating that the House Democratic leadership is concerned about the contest.

Hoyer called Berman a high a “highly-respected” leader and a “decent” man, a possible dig at Sherman, who the Berman campaign has called “mean, angry and unhinged” in television ads that highlight a confrontation at a debate between the two, where Sherman put his arm around Berman and a police officer stepped in to separate them.

"Howard Berman is a highly-respected leader sought after by his colleagues from both parties for his expertise in both domestic and foreign policy, and world affairs,” Hoyer said in a statement posted on the Berman campaign's Facebook page. “Howard Berman is respected by both Republicans and Democrats because of his approach as a legislator and decency as an individual. It would be a great loss to the country if Howard Berman did not return to serve in the Congress of the United States."

The two lawmakers were thrown into the same district by California's redistricting process. And the state's new primary system puts the top two vote-getters — regardless of party — in the general election. Most of the district is Sherman's old territory.

The race has caused many Democratic legislators to pick sides.

Berman already received an endorsement from Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.), the House Democratic caucus vice chairman. In total, Berman holds endorsements from more than 20 House members and five senators — including both senators from California and a few Republicans. He secured the endorsement of Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) earlier in the race.

Sherman holds the endorsement of three members of Congress and has secured the high profile support of former President Bill Clinton.