Former Osborne aide steps into the limelight

John Hanson

For 5 1/2 years, John Hanson served on 3rd District Congressman Tom Os-borne's staff as district director.

Now with Osborne running for governor of the state of Nebraska, Hanson has set his sights on Osborne's seat in Congress.

Hanson, who announced his candidacy for Congress two months ago, made the rounds in McCook Tuesday morning.

He said working for Osborne has prepared him well for the rigors of running a congressional campaign.

"He's a very good mentor," Hanson said. "I want to continue what we started in Tom's office in encouraging agricultural entrepreneurship and value-added agriculture issues such as energy. We're off to a great start with the ethanol industry. I think we're at the dawn of an exciting era in agriculture."

Agricultural concerns are why Hanson got interested in politics and was able to become part of Osborne's staff when the legendary University of Nebraska football coach was elected to Congress.

"I was concerned about the largest industry in Nebraska, which is agriculture," Hanson said. "I have a strong ag background and a lot of business experience. We (as part of Osborne's staff) used our resources to create jobs. I look forward to trying to keep it going."

Hanson has the endorsement of former Nebraska Gov. Kay Orr. She and her husband Bill are the honorary chairs of Hanson's campaign.

"It's great having a former Governor step up -- we're honored to have her as part of the team," Hanson said.

Hanson said he has been to every county and town in the 3rd District and says he knows the issues "pretty well."

Hanson is a fourth-generation cattleman and farmer from Kearney. He and his wife Kyle have three sons-- Easton (10) Justus (8) and Brennan Thomas (3) and a daughter Elika (18 months).