OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel's former chief of staff is endorsing Democrat Jim Esch in Nebraska's 2nd District House race.

The Cook Report, which evaluates congressional campaigns, is calling the Nebraska congressional race between incumbent Lee Terry and challenger Jim Esch a tossup.

The nationally known Cook Political Report now says the Terry-Esch race is a toss-up, noting that the Obama vote here is giving the GOP quote, "major heartburn."

The Democrat said he wanted to make sure he still had the belief that he could cause change in Washington. Esch said he still believes, and now he has a better understanding of the challenge.

OMAHA — Former U.S. Senator and Nebraska Gov. Bob Kerrey is endorsed fellow Democrat Jim Esch’s bid for Congress Friday, and questioned Republican Lee Terry’s support of veterans. Kerrey appeared with Esch at an Omaha news conference along with a group of local veterans supporting Esch in the 2nd District U.S. House race.

Kerrey, a fellow Democrat, said Esch understands more than his incumbent Republican opponent, Rep. Lee Terry, about the importance of standing up for America's veterans.