WASHINGTON – President Obama is expected to announce Monday that he has picked former Nebraska Republican Senator and Vietnam veteran Chuck Hagel as his new Defense Secretary, according to a report.
Hagel will succeed current secretary Leon Panetta, who is stepping down, according to a report in Politico.
The nomination of Hagel, who voted against entering the Iraq war, is expected to ignite a fierce confirmation fight. Senate Republicans criticized Hagel, who would be the first enlisted soldier and Vietnam veteran to serve in the post, for his Iraq war vote.
REUTERS
Chuck Hagel leaves a news conference in Omaha, Nebraska in 2007.
Democratic backed groups have slammed Hagel, 66, for his support of Israel negotiations with Palestine and opposition to some Iran sanctions and for making an anti-gay comment about an ambassador nominee, a statement Hagel recently apologized for.
Obama expected to nominate Chuck Hagel for Defense Secretary: report
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Obama expected to nominate Chuck Hagel for Defense Secretary: report