Printer Friendly
Email to a Friend
Former Neb Senator Being Considered as Defense Secretary
(KLZA) President Barack Obama's top candidate for defense secretary is a contrarian Republican moderate and decorated Vietnam combat veteran who's likely to support a more rapid withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Afghanistan.
Former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel has another credential important to the president: a personal relationship forged with Obama when both were in the U.S. Senate.
The 66-year-old Hagel has emerged as the front-runner for the Pentagon's top job. Hagel would succeed Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.
An announcement is expected this coming week.
As defense secretary, Hagel would oversee the Afghanistan troop withdrawal and direct some of the steepest cuts in Pentagon spending since the end of the Cold War.
Hagel left the Senate in 2009, ending a political career in which he carved out a reputation as an independent thinker and blunt speaker.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Two arrested after Doniphan Co traffic stop
Seven arrested in Atchison drug investigation
Atchison man sentenced on child sex charge
Sabetha Community Hospital appoints new CEO
Two arrested after Jackson Co pursuit and manhunt
Shots fired, vehicle attack, leads to Mayetta arrest
Atchison woman sentenced on charges in fatal crash
Heavy rain contributed to wreck injuring one person
Man arrested in Tecumseh, Neb following standoff
One killed, 3 injured in NW MO crash
Longtime Nemaha Co Appraiser retires
Longtime Sabetha Fire Chief recognized for service
Jackson Co traffic stop results in two arrests
Atchison Co: Motorists reminded to use only hwy detours
Hiawatha City Commission sets fireworks dates, times
Child abuse arrest made in Pawnee County
Brown Co Appraiser re-appointed
Brownville under consideration for small modular nuclear reactor
LATEST STORIES
Atchison man facing drug-related charges in Jackson Co
Shots fired, vehicle attack, leads to Mayetta arrest
Nominees sought to fill local judicial seat
Protect yourself from West Nile Virus
Unemployment figures mixed in SE Nebraska in May
Purchase of 2 patrol units for Richardson Co Sheriff's Office approved
One killed, 3 injured in NW MO crash
New firm to do facilities assessment for USD 415
Hiawatha, Ks 66434