Storm brewing over Hagel nomination

Johanns expects "intense" confirmation hearing

By Justin Pazera

CREATED Jan. 6, 2013

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Omaha, NE - Former Senator Chuck Hagel's official nomination is expected Monday but criticism of the Republican is swirling the night before. Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns says he expects Hagel's confirmation hearing to be "intense". This comes as other lawmakers hit the Sunday morning TV circuit, not holding back.

Arkansas Republican Representative, Tom Cotton says "I think the Senate should oppose Mr. Hagel as Secretary of Defense because there are many other qualified Democratic defense professionals who the President could nominate." Hagel is coming under criticism  for comments he made several years ago about a gay nominee for ambassadorship. He apologized last month.

And then there's Hagel's stance on the relationship between Israel, Iran and the United States. Senator Johanns say's what's concerning to some Republican and Democrats is Hagel's "troublesome relationship in the past with some supporters of Israel." Other lawmakers are just waiting for Hagel to set things straight.

North Dakota Democratic Senator, Heidi Heitkamp says, "He hasn't had a chance to speak for himself and so why all the pre-judging? I don't know. I mean to me in America you give everybody a chance to speak for themselves and then we'll decide."