Senators say it's "too early" to tell if Hagel will win approval - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Senators say it's "too early" to tell if Hagel will win approval

Posted:
WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) -

The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committees says it's best to wait until after Chuck Hagel's confirmation hearing before figuring out the votes for President Barack Obama's nominee for defense secretary.

Democratic Senator Carl Levin, who backs Hagel's nomination, said Tuesday it was too early to count the votes.  Hagel's confirmation hearing is January 31st.

Obama tapped the former Republican senator to replace Leon Panetta, but the choice has faced strong GOP opposition.  Hagel was scheduled to meet with Republican Senator John McCain on Tuesday.  McCain has praised Hagel's Vietnam War service, but said he has serious questions.

Democrats have started to rally around Hagel, with Senators Chuck Schumer and Barbara Boxer announcing their support last week.  Levin said it was possible that Hagel gets some GOP votes.

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and KTIV Television Inc. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance with issues relating to the content of this station's public inspection file should contact Administrative Assistant Kathy Clayton at (712) 239-4100 x209. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, at 888-835-5322 (TTY) or at fccinfo@fcc.gov.