GOP senator signals support for Hagel nomination

[DonViejo]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Richard Shelby says he will vote to confirm Chuck Hagel as defense secretary, a major boost for President Barack Obama’s nominee.

The Alabama lawmaker tells the Decatur Daily he has concerns about his fellow Republican but plans to support him. Shelby spokesman Jonathan Graffeo said Thursday that, barring unforeseen surprises, the senator will vote for confirmation.

Hagel is a former two-term senator from Nebraska who has faced strong GOP opposition. Shelby joins two other Republicans who have indicated their support for Hagel — Thad Cochran of Mississippi and Mike Johanns of Nebraska.

Last week, Shelby voted with other Republicans against moving forward on the Hagel nomination. The Senate expects to vote again next week when lawmakers return from their weeklong recess.

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Read more: http://www.salon.com/2013/02/21/gop_senator_signals_support_for_hagel_nomination/

[Orsino]

1. In kabuki theater...

...the entrance of this stock character traditionally signals the beginning of the final act.

[Laurian]

2. Where's old Shelby been, lately? He used to be one of the

most vocal and absurd Republicans, but with the new crop of Tea Party crazies, he's faded into the background. Wow, how things have changed over the past 4-5 years.

[xxqqqzme]

9. In a traveling

road show it is customary for understudies to perform on occasion so they are prepared in the event they must take the lead.

[Kingofalldems]

3. Neocons not liking this one

[TwilightGardener]

4. Hagel and Shelby were on the Banking Committee together, I think--don't know

how you can work side by side with someone on legislation for years, in the same party, and then suddenly view him as a suspicious untrustworthy radical. This whole thing is so stupid.

[leftyohiolib]

5. 0. GOP Senators Urge Obama To Drop Hagel Nomination (LETTER) huh?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014405272#post14

[TwilightGardener]

6. They're just getting their last-ditch opposition on the record for future campaign donations

and as a teabag primary shield.

[DCBob]

8. exactly... in fact this is a sure sign Hagel will be confirmed.

Why else send a letter they know the President will toss in the ignore file.

[DonViejo]

7. Shelby didn't sign the letter nt