Democratic candidate for the 10th congressional district John Tree has picked up endorsements from party leaders today. Tree's campaign announced the endorsements of former DNC chair for Illinois David Wilhelm, Wheeling Township Democratic Committeewoman Kathleen Sances, and Rob Nesvacil, president of the Wheeling Township Democrats executive board.

"John Tree has always laid it all on the line, in service to his country through the military, in digging down deep to build a successful 20 person granola business, and he will lay it all on the line in Congress, fighting for the interests of hard pressed middle-class families every step of the way," said Wilhelm.

Tree is running in a crowded race against three other candidates for the Democratic nomination in the 10th congressional district. The winner of the March primary will likely go up against incumbent Bob Dold (R).

"John Tree's background as a small business owner and as a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve makes him uniquely able to recognize and fight for solutions to help the middle class and generations to come," said Nesvacil in a press release. "My wife and I have three young kids and John's exactly the kind of guy I want on our side leading the way forward from the current dysfunctional tea party stalemate in Congress."

Tree is a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, having served for more than 21 years, and was working in the Pentagon this past May during the debt ceiling debacle.

“With 21 years in the Air Force, John Tree can speak with authority when it comes to reducing Pentagon spending the right way and investing that money in clean energy jobs and helping families put their kids through college,” said Sances.