ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) St. Joseph Mayor Ken Shearin is backing Republican Rep. Sam Graves in his bid for re-election against Democratic rival Kay Barnes.

Shearin is elected to office on a nonpartisan basis, but is a lifelong Democrat who attended a Democratic labor barbecue last weekend.

At a news conference Wednesday, Shearing said his dad is ``rolling over in his grave that his son is speaking up for a Republican.''

Shearin praised Graves for working to protect and expand employment at the Missouri Air National Guard base at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. He also says Graves has a better understanding of farm issues.

Graves says he is humbled to get the support of Democrats and called for an end to partisan squabbling in Washington.