Democratic Senate hopeful Tony Raimondo has received an endorsement from an unexpected source -- Jim Esch, who's running for the 2nd District House seat.

Esch, also a Democrat, said Thursday he know some people will be surprised by the endorsement because many of his supporters also are strong supporters of Raimondo opponent Scott Kleeb.

But Esch said he's convinced Raimondo is the most qualified candidate and has the best chance to beat former governor and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns in November.