A group of military veterans have come together to support Dan Feehan, who is challenging First District Rep. Jim Hagedorn-R in 2020.

Veterans for Dan is a group of several veterans who have thrown their support behind Feehan’s second run for the First District seat.

Hagedorn narrowly edged out Feehan in their first contest with 50.1 percent of the vote compared to Feehan’s 49.7 percent. Feehan is one of four Democratic candidates to date, which includes Johnny Akzam, Rich Wright and Ralph Kaehler.

Brad Hanson, a retired major with the United States Army from Mankato, is heading the group and finds a kinship with Feehan, who is also a veteran, having served during the Iraq War.

“I wanted to help Dan the best way I can and the best way I know how is to work with the military and soldiers,” Hanson said.

Both Hanson and Feehan were platoon leaders and both served in the Army. He has known the candidate through Hanson’s daughter, who babysits for the Feehan family.

He said that the way Feehan carries himself is a major reason for Hanson and the veterans supporting him in his run.

“I like his moral compass. He has a character,” Hanson said. “He says the right things and he doesn’t put people down.”