👋 Two-time Iraq war vet here, and I used to run Readiness policy in the Pentagon. Not only is this a false and debunked denigration of a fellow vet, but it also shows how unready you are to be a heartbeat away. 🧵
You know what really bothers me about Tim Walz?
When the US Marine Corps asked me to go to Iraq to serve my country, I did it.
When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, he dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him. I think that's shameful.
In
@Tim_Walz
case, leaving service honorably on his own terms meant becoming a congressman where he made sure our generation of vets was taken care of - btw, did the Post 9/11 GI bill help pay for Yale? If so, have you thanked Tim?
Our All-Volunteer Force depends on folks stepping up to serve come what may and exit service honorably when their obligations were filled to find a next calling - just like you and
@Tim_Walz
did. And as they say, the “Army goes rolling along,” better for those that came before.
When my platoon was taking fire in Iraq, we were in it together, regardless of race, religion or politics. It's the same in
#MN01
where we come together to solve problems. I’m running for Congress b/c we need that same approach to fix DC.
Join us today:
There is a day in Iraq in 2006 I can remember more vividly than any day before or since, short of my wedding and my three children being born. It was the day I met Staff Sergeant (SSG) Ronald Paulsen, but when I met him he was already dead. /1 (thread)
.
@PreetBharara
, thank you and your sons for your support! They exemplify that young people are not just the future, they are the “here & now,” ready to make change. We will fight to flip
#MN01
& ensure people come first.
#Housework2020
My boys also want you to know that
@danielfeehan
, after completing tours of combat duty in Iraq, served as a teacher in high-need communities back home. Help him flip
#MN01
:
#housework
.
@JimHagedornMN
said he didn’t believe US intel reports that the Russia bounty story was true. While I served in combat in Iraq, he was a keyboard warrior in DC writing a mean-spirited blog. He knows nothing about what it takes to keep us safe & is unfit to serve
#MN01
.
.
@RepHagedorn
, you have disgraced
#MN01
and are unfit to be our representative. Yesterday’s violence and attempted coup are a direct result of your cynical spreading of lies and conspiracy theories. You are a traitor to your oath and must resign.
As a veteran & former teacher, I believe politics must be grounded in service. While Jim Hagedorn sold out
#MN01
to corporate special interests & perpetuated corruption in his own office using taxpayer 💰 I’ll never stop fighting to put
#PeopleFirst
.
Serving as a soldier and teacher, I learned that true leaders don’t have the luxury of inaction. I'm running for Congress b/c we need more leaders who are independent from corporate special interests & focused instead on fighting for working families in
#MN01
.
I'm humbled to be the DFL nominee in
#MN01
, but in Iraq, my company had a very simple motto: "The only easy day was yesterday". We will continue to reject the politics of cynicism & focus instead on what we are FOR -- improving the lives of our neighbors. Let's get back to work!
It’s a social contract that either binds this country or will tear it apart if we let our leaders outright dishonor it. We have that choice, and I choose to honor the sacrifice of SSG Paulsen - among countless others - in the work of striving for a more perfect Union. /12
In Iraq, I disarmed roadside bombs alongside soldiers from varying backgrounds. We didn't agree on every issue but we worked together to protect each other and our country. We need that same spirit of service in Congress to tackle our toughest challenges facing
#MN01
.
I can tell you from experience, taking fire from terrorists is harder than having my opponent & the
@NRCC
question my patriotism. These attacks are disrespectful to all men & women who have worn the uniform, especially the 40k veterans in
#MN01
. But don't just take it from me...
.
@JimHagedornMN
is a divider, lacking the courage to listen, lead, or unite. I learned in Iraq — it didn’t matter what your race was or what your politics were — we were and are in it together.
Help us defeat him in
#MN01
:
Hey
@RepHagedorn
- in
#MN01
alone, there are 58,000 food insecure people, nearly 20,000 of them children. Your ignorance might be the norm in DC, but it is unacceptable for those of us you pretend to represent. See you soon.
"Nobody goes to sleep at night wondering if they’ll be able to feed their families."
Wow. Either Rep. Hagedorn doesn't know what's going on in his district or he doesn't care.
#mnleg
Minnesota could not be more proud to send one of our finest exports - Vice Presidents - to Washington, Gov
@Tim_Walz
! All America will soon see the compassion and leadership that has transcended politics here for years.
#WalzForVP
It is the honor of a lifetime to join
@kamalaharris
in this campaign.
I’m all in.
Vice President Harris is showing us the politics of what’s possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school.
So, let’s get this done, folks! Join us.
My opponent & his DC handlers have repeatedly attacked my service to our country. I think it is important that
#MN01
knows about the clear contrast between our two careers: my career in service vs. his lengthy career as a DC bureaucrat.
I’m excited to share that
#MN01
’s newest resident - Maeve Feehan - was born yesterday at 7:24pm, and we’re so grateful to report that both she and her mom are happy and healthy. Thank you to the amazing staff of the Family Birth Center at the Mayo Clinic Mankato.
I was proud to serve under President
@BarackObama
. He demonstrated what it meant to put people first and represent all Americans, even in times of crises. I am honored to have his endorsement as we work to represent everyone in
#MN01
.
My opponent
@JimHagedornMN
says he supports the troops, but has the gall to accuse me of being anti-American.
I served two combat tours in Iraq capturing dangerous terrorists.
He refuses to speak up against Russia putting bounties on American soldiers serving in Afghanistan
This year's 9/11 should give us pause; the first child born after 9/11/2001 can now fight and die in the same war that began before they were born. We have since fought wars in 14 countries and will soon have enlisted men/women who have never known a world before the attacks.
Some of the memories of Iraq that have stayed with me to this day are of children: children hurt, children sick, children orphaned. It seems distant because it was a product of war. As I watch my own children play today, this seems closer than ever.
I just want to take a moment of gratitude to thank my family for the sacrifices they have made this year. They didn't sign up for this journey, yet they've been the best companions I ever could've asked for. Thank you Conor, Declan, and Amy.
I measure my days, months, and years against their sacrifice, always coming up short and hoping for more time, more opportunities to live up to it as a father, husband, and public servant. /11
Despite running 7 points ahead of the top of the ticket, we lost a tough race in 2020. My race shows that for Democrats to win everywhere, we cannot abandon persuading voters through tough conversations. It may be the only way through division.
#MN01
Cowards. 3 politicians who never served in the military -
@RepHagedorn
,
@RepTomEmmer
,
@RepPeteStauber
- have betrayed their oaths of office and are undermining the Constitution, American democracy, and our very freedoms for which countless Americans have died.
Now that U.S. Reps. Jim Hagedorn and Pete Stauber have joined Tom Emmer in the amicus brief, Minnesota's GOP delegation is all on board with the call to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
The last time I saw him in person, VP Mondale joked that he left “one or two” votes for me in Elmore. I reminded him how much it meant to get a call from him to pick myself up from a loss and fight again. He loved Minnesota, his country, and Joan. May they both Rest In Peace.
Due to your support, we were able to get up on the airwaves across the district last week with "Roads.”, countering the cynicism from our opponent and his dark-monied friends. If you're sick of politics as usual, please share our message and join our team.
#mn01
In elections and public policy, contrast is critical. I am in the
#MN01
race to fight for affordable, accessible, & high-quality healthcare for everyone. That means standing up to corporate special interests & putting people over politics.
🚨 A new poll shows us up by 2 points in
#MN01
! 🚨
It is great news, but we need your help! If you are able, donate or sign-up for a volunteer shift! We can’t do this without you so thank you for your help!
Donate:
Volunteer:
This is not protest. This is not just violence. This is a coup attempt, legitimized by cowardly leaders who sowed its seeds. Any member of congress voting against certification is a traitor to our Republic and should be removed from office along with
@realDonaldTrump
.
This year, I’m especially thankful for this growing and evolving brood. We’ve had a lot of time together in 2020, maybe even too much, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
#HappyThanksgiving
from the Feehans!
What I love about this country is that though I never knew SSG Paulsen or the interpreters who helped us that day, I live through their sacrifice every single day. /10
Today is the 98th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment. To honor the legacy of the women who created monumental change and the women who are still fighting for and demanding that our society be better,
#TeamFeehan
is sharing why we as Minnesotans are feMNists.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
A new poll puts our campaign ahead of Rep. Hagedorn by one point! We can feel the momentum in
#MN01
, but the hard work is ahead of us.
Help us build on this energy:
Contribute:
Volunteer:
"The only easy day was yesterday." Tomorrow, we start anew & face the future like
#MN01
always has. The fight for decency & service-oriented leadership continues. I'm committed to remaining on the front lines of this fight. Our work is just beginning…
.
@JimHagedornMN
’s corruption runs deep, taking potentially illegal campaign contributions from a wealthy donor & paying him w/ our taxpayer money. To him, representing you was and is all about making himself and his friends rich. He is unfit to serve
#MN01
I’m running for Congress b/c we need leaders who fight for the people who make America work. Wealthy special interests have too much power in DC – that’s why I don’t take their corporate PAC 💰. This campaign is powered by the people of
#MN01
, b/c that’s who I will represent
My opponent
@JimHagedornMN
"does not agree" that protecting our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and neighbors from discrimination is the right thing to do. He is wrong and
#MN01
deserves better.
A spokesman for Rep. Jim Hagedorn says the MN-1 Republican "does not agree" with today's Supreme Court ruling that federal law protects gay, transgender workers from employment discrimination.
President
@BarackObama
represents the power of hope and the importance of respect in our politics and our society more broadly. I am running for office because I want to ensure that our politics is defined by hope and respect rather than fear and division.
In 2008, I counted on 3 non-citizens to have my back during combat in Iraq while they wore the American flag on their right arms. They fought for the love of a country that would ultimately give them citizenship in exchange for the upfront risk to their lives. 1/3
AP NewsBreak: The U.S. Army has moved in recent weeks to discharge dozens of immigrant recruits and reservists who enlisted through a program that promised them a path to citizenship.
This Sept marks 10 yrs since the Great Recession hit. Today, Wall Street is making record profits yet many in
#MN01
struggle to get by. That's why I'm committed to passing tax cuts for the middle class, making healthcare/childcare/eldercare affordable and ending the trade war.
A big win in
#PA18
! The President carried it by 20 pts. just 16 months ago. Last night proves that when we talk about what we're for, & when we get young people involved in our electoral process, we can win! That's what
#TeamFeehan
is doing here in
#MN01
. Congrats,
@ConorLambPA
!
Democrat Conor Lamb is the apparent winner over Republican Rick Saccone Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District special election, according to an NBC News projection.
In war, waiting and not knowing is an excruciating feeling, whether you’re a commander, brother or sister-in-arms, parent, spouse or loved one. Our thoughts are with all of them this long night in continued gratitude for our all-volunteer military and their families.
My opponent
@JimHagedornMN
spreads misinformation about COVID-19, voted against lower prescription drugs prices, & is working to undo the Affordable Care Act. While he tries to make your healthcare worse, I’ll fight to make healthcare affordable & accessible for everyone in
#MN01
In southern Minnesota, home to both the Mayo Clinic and a devastated agriculture industry, the coronavirus pandemic has taken center stage in a congressional race that's shaping up to be neck-and-neck this fall.
My wife Amy and I are, admittedly, still a little star struck every time we get to hang out with our amazing Senator
@amyklobuchar
. She is a stabilizing force for our country right now and I can’t wait to work with her.
Hi
@RepHagedorn
, one of your constituents here. I have questions regarding your blind, dangerous, and "yes-man" negligence of your duties to "raise and support Armies" and oversee appropriated funds. I'll ask them here, as I see no public town halls scheduled. 1/4
I served two combat tours in Iraq. I'm not afraid to stand-up to bad actors like Russia b/c it’ our basic duty as Americans, and
@JimHagedornMN
should join me in doing the same. Any politician who stays silent is a coward undeserving of their office.
Whether serving as a soldier, teacher, or in the Pentagon, I've been guided by the value of service I learned growing up in southern MN. I'm excited to share how this value shaped my life & how I believe it strengthens
#MN01
& our country.
Donate →
Washington is in desperate need of independent leadership. My life in service - as a soldier, a teacher, and making policy on behalf of our veterans - has been about putting people first. As your congressman in
#mn01
, I will continue to do just that.
Early voting starts today! 🗳️
Amy and I are proud to live in a state that offers so many ways to cast your vote safely. To learn more about how you can make your voice heard by November 3, visit
The Iraq war began sixteen years ago tomorrow. There is a myth about the war that I have been meaning to set straight for years. After no WMDs were found, the left claimed "Bush lied. People died." This accusation itself is a lie. It's time to put it to rest.
#MemorialDay
is a time to honor those who came before me in uniform, and it's also a time to honor those who have passed by caring for the veterans who need it most during COVID-19. Please read my thoughts here:
I’m saddened to hear about Congressman Hagedorn's cancer diagnosis. Jim - Amy and I are keeping you, Jennifer, and your whole family in our prayers and we are hoping for a full and speedy recovery.
READ my statement on my battle with cancer. I’m pleased to report that I’m feeling great, and I will continue to fight cancer and fight for America and the people of southern Minnesota.
#MN01
While,
@JimHagedornMN
continues to accept 💰from ‘Big Pharma,’ too many in
#MN01
are forced to make the choice between food & housing or prescription drugs. That’s unacceptable. I won’t be beholden to ‘Big Pharma,’ b/c I won’t take a dime from them.
Thank you
@AmyKlobuchar
for your support and steady leadership for the people of MN... and for your delicious Hot Dish recipes. Your Taconite Tater Tot Hot Dish looked great in our launch video and tasted even better!
Proud to endorse Dan Feehan
@danielfeehan
for Congress in MN-1. Dan has always chosen the road of service, put people first and worked for common sense solutions. I know he’ll be a strong voice for southern Minnesota. Visit his website & show your support!
One of my soldiers and I pulled him away from his vehicle and lifted him onto a makeshift gurney. As we did, his last words reached me within the chaos around us: “Help. Me.” By the time the medical evacuation helicopter arrived, he was already dead. /9
I ran toward SSG Paulsen’s vehicle & I passed what remained of a body mangled in the street. It was the female Iraqi interpreter. She was now unrecognizable, her legs and arms almost entirely gone. Her humanity, on display earlier, had been turned into an almost inhuman form. /7
One of the 7 Army values is integrity, something any public servant must possess to do their job. The
@NRCC
’s dark-monied attack ad has no integrity, and my opponent
@JimHagedornMN
should join me in calling for it to be taken down if he has any himself. RT if you agree.
My platoon and I had gone out on a medical mission to secure an Iraqi clinic while another unit of American medical personnel, including SSG Paulsen, offered care to the city of Tarmiyah. Joining SSG Paulsen's unit were two Iraqi interpreters. /2
Grateful to be part of the incredible show of support for
@amyklobuchar
today. Definitely worth the 4+ hours driving in a snowstorm to witness another Minnesotan step forward to ask to lead this great country.
#AmyforAmerica
Happy Thanksgiving! Grateful for my family that sacrificed so much over the last year and a half, for the staff and supporters who became family along the way, and for those in uniform apart from their own families. May we never take our military’s service for granted.
I kept moving, and found the male interpreter attempting to crawl inch by inch away from the fire burning through his own Humvee. I touched him. His skin was wooden. His limbs were immobile. His tongue was black. /8
If you look this day up in accounts of America’s fallen — October 17, 2006 — you’ll see that SSG Ronald Paulsen died from the blasts. I tried to reach him, but I couldn’t. The fire engulfing his vehicle was too great. /5
One interpreter, a man, helped me organize Iraqi Police into security positions. Another interpreter, a woman, conducted interviews of female patients seeking treatment. /3
As we left the clinic after completing the mission, I heard two explosions that carried with them the certain sound of roadside bombs. Two Humvees from SSG Paulsen's unit had suffered catastrophic damage. /4
I was proud to serve in an all-volunteer military more diverse than our country itself & to work on the policy to allow transgender service members to serve openly. Today's decision hurts our readiness, recruiting, & the diversity of our military in an increasingly divisive time.
The ads run by my opponent and his dark monied friends have been nothing short of disgraceful, so it should come as no surprise that they are also patently false.
.
@ASlavitt
thank you so much for your support and continued service to our nation! Your ability to capture the detail and the consequences of policy is more important than ever.
I’m thrilled to endorse
@DanielFeehan
in
#MN01
. He served our nation in the military, classroom and Pentagon, and will be a strong voice in Congress in an open seat.
Please join me in supporting Dan at
So happy anniversary,
@AriFleischer
. It hasn't gotten easier, has it? If you're interested in rebuilding the covenant you helped break, I hope to see you joining groups like
@votevets
and
@ConcernedVets
to call on Congress to end the 2001
#AUMF
and our
#ForeverWar
.
Thank you
@votevets
for your support, and for your advocacy on behalf of our veterans. It’s a privilege to partner with you as we work to reintroduce the importance of service into our politics.
#MN01
VoteVets is endorsing
@danielfeehan
in
#MN01
. "He has the smarts, the dedication, and the heart to be one of the best members of Congress, and a faithful servant to his constituents. Right now, we need that in Congress.” -
@rickeagle
, VoteVets Director of Veterans Outreach
#MNpol
I’m lucky to have known
@JasonKander
and
@dianakander
for over 15 years. I’ve watched him dedicate his life to service, but by speaking out about his PTSD, he shows others how to ask for and get help. This truly is the ultimate act of public service. I’ve never been more proud.
Jason Kander served in Afghanistan, but his biggest act of bravery may have been admitting he was dropping out of the Kansas City mayoral race to address his PTSD. Here's my interview with Jason and his wife Diana.
Amy has been an incredible partner in life and I couldn't run for Congress without the love/support she gives me and our boys every day. I haven't been running alone — my entire family has been running with me — and this journey would be impossible without them.
#MN01
#TeamFeehan
Thank you to Senator
@amyklobuchar
for visiting Mankato this weekend and helping us share our vision for
#MN01
! In Congress, I look forward to fighting alongside Sen. Klobuchar for affordable and accessible healthcare, defeating COVID-19, and investing in our rural communities.
My wife Amy and I are both proud to call
#MN01
home and we were proud to vote by mail from our home this week for our friend
@TinaSmithMN
in her primary election! Sign up for vote-by-mail here:
As a platoon leader, I owned everything that took place under my command because leaders don't hide from responsibility, cowards do.
#MN01
will not let
@JimHagedornMN
& a high-priced DC lawyer sweep this under the rug. /1
I'm honored to earn the
@MinnesotaDFL
endorsement for Congress here in
#MN01
! Thank you to the delegates and supporters who turned out today. Your passion for improving people's lives is vital in this critical time. Now, let's continue the hard work of keeping this seat blue!
I am proud to stand side-by-side with the 500,000+ Minnesotans who will be casting their primary ballots today. Regardless of our political ideology we can stand united in our shared drive to make this country the best that it can be by exercising our sacred right to vote.
#MN01
Your bravery and integrity is inspiring,
@JasonKander
. Your support means the world to me. Who would've thought 14 years ago when we stood shoulder-to-shoulder to defend the Constitution that we would be here one day?!
When I raised my right hand, swore the oath, and accepted my commission as an officer in the US Army,
@danielfeehan
was standing beside me.
Proud to stand beside him as he prepares to serve our country once again.
As we bear witness to ongoing tragedy for the Kurdish people, I’m reminded of the Iraq invasion that in part brought us here. Like then, the ends do not justify the reckless means. Like then, we are misled. Will Congress again enable the recklessness?
Despite the cold, rain, and yes, even snow, there are tons of people in Winona ready to be harbingers of hope & share a positive message across
#mn01
! Thanks to
@peggyflanagan
for kicking things off!
.
@CookPolitical
moved us to TOSS-UP, but we need your help to get across the finish line! Chip in what you can today and help us make sure that
#MN01
has
#PeopleFirst
leadership.
Corporate special interests in D.C. take everything for themselves & leave little for us in
#MN01
. I reject that & I won't be beholden to corporate special interests or party leaders in Congress. Instead, I am focused on representing everyone here in
#MN01
.
I sought counseling following each of my tours in Iraq to help me work through the experiences I had in combat. It helped. It made me a better father, a better husband and ultimately a better leader. (1/3)
After coming within 2,000 votes of winning a red seat in Congress in 2018 (sound familiar!?), my friend and fellow veteran
@danielfeehan
is giving it another go. Check out his inspiring story and chip in to help him out!