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.
