The Business-Industry Political Action Committee on Tuesday endorsed Iraq War veteran Adam Cote (D) in the race to replace Rep. Tom Allen (D), who is running for Senate.

“Adam Cote will work to promote sound business policies. He is the clear choice in a hotly contested Democratic primary, particularly when it comes to prosperity issues,” Gregory Casey, president and CEO of BIPAC, said in a statement. “Adam is tenacious and outspoken. He is a member of the Small Business Association National Advisory Council and has strong local business support in the 1st District.”

The endorsement should provide a needed boost to Cote in a crowded Democratic primary. The leading candidates in the June 10 primary are believed to be former Common Cause President Chellie Pingree and state Sen. Ethan Strimling. Also running are former state Senate Majority Leader Michael Brennan and York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence.

Cote has trailed Pingree and Strimling in the money chase, but he has taken in more than Brennan and Lawrence.

— Josh Kurtz