Hagel endorsed by Neb. Senator Johanns - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Hagel endorsed by Neb. Senator Johanns

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By Kristen Johnson, Multimedia Journalist/ Weekend Anchor - bio | email
SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (KTIV) -

A Nebraska senator is giving his endorsement to Senator Chuck Hagel for Defense Secretary.

Senator Mike Johanns is the second Republican senator to back Hagel as the next Pentagon chief.

Hagel has been criticized as not being tough enough on Iran or sufficiently supportive of Israel.

Johanns, said he believes Hagel will be a strong supporter of Israel and other allies of the U.S. and will be firm with America's enemies.

Johanns said he decided to back Hagel after the former Nebraska senator's confirmation hearing and after meeting with him.

Some Republican senators have said they will vote against confirming Hagel.   Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman says he still expects Hagel will be confirmed.

"If you had a Secretary of Defense who had his military background serving in combat , I think a lot of people would appreciate," said Heineman.

Heineman said he was withholding his endorsement because he wanted Johanns and Nebraska's other senator Deb Fischer to feel free to make the decision on their own.

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