Like his counterpart Edward Kennedy, U.S. Sen. John Kerry praised presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama's selection of U.S. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) to be his running mate on Saturday.

"I am honored to express my support for my colleague and[img_assist|nid=30|title=Sen. John Kerry (D-Boston)|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=123|height=180] good friend Joe Biden as the next vice president of the United States," Kerry (D-Boston) said in a statement.

Kerry, who is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Biden chairs, said the Delaware has fought for the "families hit hardest by a failing economy" and praised his "dedication to ending the misguided war in Iraq."

"Joe Biden is ready to help Barack Obama provide American's change we can truly believe in," Kerry said. "Barack's vision for a better future for America is reflected in Joe's commitment to middle class issues, understanding of international relations, and duty to country." 

"I look forward to doing all I can to help elect Barack Obama and Joe Biden as the next president and vice president of the United States," Kerry added.