The National Republican Congressional Committee has named First Congressional District candidate Aaron Miller as an up-and-coming recruit for the 2014 election cycle.

The U.S. Army veteran is one of the GOP challengers to Democratic incumbent Tim Walz in the district that covers southern Minnesota.

The NRCC has placed Miller "on the radar," the lowest level of its "Young Guns" program, which lends help to congressional candidates.

As challengers ascend the ranks, they're more likely to receive financial and organizational assistance from the NRCC, the campaign arm of House Republicans.

If Miller reaches the next step, he would become a "Contender." The most promising candidates are tagged as "Young Guns."

"I am confident that Aaron Miller will be a successful and dedicated member of this program and that he will continue to work hard to reach the crucial campaign benchmarks," said NRCC Chairman Greg Walden. "I am certain that Aaron will be a strong contender this election cycle."

Miller faces Jim Hagedorn in the Aug. 12 GOP primary.

Walz, a four-term House member and Minnesota National Guard veteran, has raised his profile in Congress as an advocate on veterans issues.

Corey Mitchell