Former GOP U.S. Sens. Norm Coleman and Rod Grams are backing the Senate campaign of Mike McFadden, the business executive looking to run against Sen. Al Franken in 2014.

Coleman and Grams are two of Minnesota’s eight living former senators, the most in the nation. Each served one six-year term.

McFadden jumped into the Senate race in May; state Rep. Jim Abeler is also seeking Republican Party backing to run against Franken, and state Sen. Julianne Ortman plans to announce her plans this weekend.

The McFadden campaign said Coleman and Grams will be honorary co-chairs, lending their names and credibility to the candidate’s run.

The campaign also announced that Molly Corrigan Cronin will be campaign chair. Cronin, of Edina, is co-chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota’s Elephant Club and is a board member of the Center of the American Experiment.

Statements from the ex-senators were included in the announcement.

Grams:

“Mike is a rising star in the Republican Party.He is a fresh face with a passion for service and the ability to be an effective leader, something Washington is severely lacking right now. I’m honored and excited to be a part of his campaign for Senate.”

And Coleman:

“When I first met Mike, I was impressed with his energy, his commitment to his family and community, and more importantly his grasp of the important issues facing our state and country. As a job creator and business leader, Mike has the skills and ability to be an effective Senator for Minnesota.  I’m proud to join the campaign and will do everything I can to help him get elected to the U.S. Senate.”