The 10 House Members in the Massachusetts delegation backed the presidential bid of Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) on Wednesday, putting to rest any speculation that one or more might defect to a rival candidate.

“I am extremely proud and grateful to have the support of the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation in our campaign to make America safer, stronger and more secure,” Kerry said.

The formal announcement is likely to be made at the delegation’s luncheon today where more specific roles for each Member will be assigned.

Rep. Stephen Lynch (D), a former ironworker, said he expects to aid Kerry in outreach to the labor community.

“We will try to use everyone to their maximum advantage,” Lynch said.

Sen. Edward Kennedy (Mass.), as well as Reps. Harold Ford Jr. (Tenn.), Juanita Millender-McDonald (Calif.) and Adam Smith (Wash.), had previously thrown their support to Kerry.

The most recent batch of endorsements moves Kerry behind only Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) in the Congressional endorsement sweepstakes.

Gephardt has 30 Members in the fold.

As a result of Gephardt’s close House ties as well as suggestions that Kerry has had a lukewarm relationship with his home-state delegation, securing the public support of the Bay Staters was not simple.