BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Former Republican senator and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is telling North Dakota veterans to support Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.Hagel is a former two-term Republican senator from Nebraska and twice-wounded Vietnam combat veteran. He’s making campaign stops across North Dakota this week to help Heitkamp gain support from veterans, who may be pivotal on Election Day in her close race against Republican Rep. Kevin Cramer.The race is seen as critical for control of the closely divided Senate.

On Tuesday, Hagel told a crowd of about 100 veterans and others in Bismarck that Heitkamp will work “across the aisle” on their behalf in Washington.

Hagel told North Dakota military veterans Tuesday that Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp is a bipartisan, common sense lawmaker who will continue to look out for their interests.

“She is a straight-shooter who does not look through a political lens,” said Hagel, a former two-term senator from Nebraska and twice-wounded Vietnam combat veteran. “She sure as hell deserves your consideration for a second term.”

Hagel says he’ll also campaign for Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly of Indiana.

Hagel sometimes broke ranks with Republicans while a senator, including on the Iraq war. He served as Pentagon chief during the Obama administration.