On Monday, President Barack Obama is expected to nominate former Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska as the next Secretary of Defense. Hagel, a Republican, was part of Nebraska's Congressional delegation from 1997 to 2009 and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. His service earned him two Purple Hearts and while in the Senate was involved with the Foreign Relations Committee and the Intelligence Committee.

Hagel is currently serving Obama as a member of the Intelligence Advisory Board. Politico is quoting the president as saying, Hagel is "'…doing an outstanding job,"' when it comes to his work on the board.

Even though he is a former senator and a Republican, votes from current Senate Republicans will not come easy. At least a couple Republican votes are needed for his nomination to be confirmed. Politico reported that Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who is also the minority whip, is "…firmly against Hagel's nomination." The news outlet is also reporting that Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), "…said Hagel would hold the 'most antagonistic' views toward Israel of any defense secretary in U.S. history."

There are also some Democrats who are against the expected nomination. Despite these negative members of the chamber, there are some who are in favor of Hagel. Politico reported that Hagel has support from Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), who is also the majority whip. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) is also reported to having "an open mind."

The general problems opponents have to Hagel are his past comments regarding Israel and his past comments regarding gays and lesbians.

Despite the expected problems with the expected nomination, President Obama apparently feels confident in his choice. Obama has said, "I've served with Chuck Hagel. I know him. He is a patriot. He is somebody who has done extraordinary work in the United States Senate."

After this, the president will have one more high profile nomination left to make, that of the next Secretary of the Treasury.

 

Read the entire Politico article here.

Read the entire ABC News story on Yahoo here.

 

Reach Staff Reporter Max Schwartz here; follow him on Twitter here.