Hagel batting 000 in OK

[okie52]

Sen. Inhofe opposes Chuck Hagel's nomination to be secretary of defense

Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, announced Tuesday he will oppose the nomination of former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel to be secretary of defense.

Published: January 16, 2013


WASHINGTON— Sen. Jim Inhofe, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced Tuesday that he will oppose the nomination of former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel to be secretary of defense.


Inhofe, R-Tulsa, said he told Hagel in a “cordial” meeting Tuesday that they were too philosophically opposed on the issues for Inhofe to support his nomination to replace Leon Panetta at the Pentagon. Inhofe said Hagel had not demonstrated the same level of concern as Panetta about the looming defense cuts under the process known as sequestration.

Inhofe said he also is concerned with Hagel's positions on nuclear disarmament and on Iran and Israel.

“In 2000, he was one of just four senators who refused to sign a letter affirming U.S. solidarity with Israel,” Inhofe said. “In 2001, he was one of just two senators who voted against extending the sanctions against Iran. A year later, he urged the Bush administration to support Iranian membership in the World Trade Organization. Given the current tension in the Middle East that is largely being instigated by the Iranian regime, I am concerned with Senator Hagel's views.”

Chris Casteel, Washington Bureau

Coburn has already stated he wouldn't support Hagel.

[Chicago Sooner]

shocking

[OnlyOneOklahoma]

Obama could nominate Jim Inhofe to head the EPA and Oklahoma would oppose it.

[okie52]

Obama could nominate Jim Inhofe to head the EPA and Oklahoma would oppose it.

I would love to see that opportunity.

[okie52]

Hagel was one of only 2 senators to vote against extending sanctions on Iran. That along with his vitriolic opposition to the surge should make someone question his decision making ability for the entire defense department.