Senator Tom Coburn said Sunday that he would not vote for Chuck Hagel to be the next secretary of defense:
Transcript, via the Washington Free Beacon:
NORAH O’DONNELL: You both served with Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel who has been mentioned as a choice for Defense Secretary, Senator Coburn would you vote for him?
TOM COBURN: I cannot vote for Chuck Hagel.
O’DONNELL: Why?
COBURN: Just simply because of some of the positions he’s taken and statements he’s [made].
O’DONNELL: What about you Sen. Durbin?
DICK DURBIN: I think he has proven his patriotism, and public service. Two purple hearts in Vietnam. This man deserves more than just a hearing. He deserves our respect for the service he’s given our country in the and the Senate and to disqualify him for statements he’s made– I think he at least deserves a hearing and an opportunity.
COBURN: That’s not the only reason to disqualify him. He does not have the experience to manage a very large organization like the Pentagon. And we’ve actually had– I think Leon Panetta has done a wonderful job. I supported his nomination. He did have a lot of experience prior to coming here. And if there’s a place we need great management, it’s the Pentagon, and a great manager.
TOM COBURN: I cannot vote for Chuck Hagel.
O’DONNELL: Why?
COBURN: Just simply because of some of the positions he’s taken and statements he’s [made].
O’DONNELL: What about you Sen. Durbin?
DICK DURBIN: I think he has proven his patriotism, and public service. Two purple hearts in Vietnam. This man deserves more than just a hearing. He deserves our respect for the service he’s given our country in the and the Senate and to disqualify him for statements he’s made– I think he at least deserves a hearing and an opportunity.
COBURN: That’s not the only reason to disqualify him. He does not have the experience to manage a very large organization like the Pentagon. And we’ve actually had– I think Leon Panetta has done a wonderful job. I supported his nomination. He did have a lot of experience prior to coming here. And if there’s a place we need great management, it’s the Pentagon, and a great manager.
