Republicans gird for battle over Chuck Hagel at Pentagon

[DonViejo]

By Agence France-Presse
Sunday, January 6, 2013 12:55 EST

Comments from Republican lawmakers on Sunday presaged a fierce confirmation battle for the man US President Barack Obama is reportedly about to nominate as his defense secretary: Chuck Hagel.

Obama has decided he wants the 66-year-old former Republican senator to succeed Leon Panetta at the Pentagon and will make his announcement as early as Monday, US media, including CNN and Washington specialists Politico, said.

Despite the fact that Hagel is a fellow-Republican, party heavyweights scenting blood in bitterly-divided Washington have accused him of hostility toward Israel and naivety on Iran, auguring a tough nomination process ahead.

The top Republican in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, praised Hagel when he left his Nebraska seat in 2009 for his “clear voice and stature on national security and foreign policy,” but his tone was markedly different on Sunday.

“He ought to be given a fair hearing like any other nominee, and he will be,” McConnell told ABC. “I’m going to wait and see how the hearings go and whether Chuck’s views square with the job he would be nominated to do.”

-snip-

more:
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/01/06/republicans-gird-for-battle-over-chuck-hagel-at-pentagon/

[cantbeserious]

1. Republicans Eat Their Own - Fire Up The Popcorn Maker

eom

[question everything]

2. Robert Reich - appearing on Stephanopolous show - had an interesting comment

why would Obama spend political capital on this battle, when there are so many other pressing needs?

[jenmito]

3. McCain is against Hagel because he endorsed Obama in '08. n/t

[PuppyBismark]

4. If we had filibuster reform, this would not be an issue.

The Senate Democrats better get their act together and pass filibuster reform, or this and any supreme court nominations will be toast.

[davidpdx]

5. I agree, but I think when it comes down to it the fence sitters are going cause us to lose

the vote. Both California's Senators are on that list.