Senator Johanns says former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel will have to explain past statements during confirmation hearings as Secretary of Defense nominee
Senator Johanns says former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel will have to explain past statements during confirmation hearings as Secretary of Defense nominee. Brent Martin reports.
Brent Martin; soc
Senator Johanns says fellow Republican Chuck Hagel has the background, both in the military and the Senate.
His flaw could be his candor. . .
Sen. Mike Johanns, Republican; "those things"
...primarily about Israel and whether the United States should negotiate with the terrorist group Hamas.
He doesn't have Johanns' vote, yet. . .
Johanns; "weeks ahead"
Senator Johanns predicts an intense confirmation hearing process for former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel as the president's nominee for Secretary of Defense.
Johanns says he has the background, but some of this statements might come back to haunt him.
Johanns; "less than supportive"
Johanns says other worries include indications Hagel favors negotiating with the terrorist group Hamas.
Senator Johanns dismisses a dust-up between himself and former Senator Chuck Hagel during the Kerrey-Fischer Senate campaign as a political disagreement.
Both Johanns and Hagel are Republicans.
Hagel sharply rejected Johanns' contention that Hagel endorsed Democrat Bob Kerrey over Republican Deb Fischer, because he was angling for a cabinet post.
Johanns chalks it up as just a normal part of politics. . .
Johanns; "Secretary of Defense"
Johanns says he needs to hear Hagel's explanation for controversial statements made about Israel and the US policy toward the Middle East before he will vote for Hagel as the next Secretary of Defense.
Senator Johanns expects former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel to be grilled about past statements during his confirmation hearing to become the next Secretary of Defense.
Johanns says Hagel will have to answer for why he didn't support the surge in Iraq and for statements that seem to indicate lukewarm support for Israel. . .
Johanns; "is all about"
Johanns says he will be listening to Hagel's explanations before deciding wheter to vote to confirm him.
(courtesy of Nebraska Radio Network)
