President Obama didn’t formally announce his controversial pick for defense secretary until 1:20 p.m. Monday, but Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) had long since weighed in. He offered his support for former senator Chuck Hagel (pictured) in a press release issued at 11:07 a.m.
Calling Hagel “a person of great ability and integrity,” Leahy said the Nebraska Republican was the right person to lead the Pentagon as Congress pares back its funding.
“He is a combat veteran who still carries shrapnel in his body from his wounds — he will not need on-the-job training,” Leahy added in the written statement. “I will support his nomination with enthusiasm, and I have passed that on to the president.”
While perhaps unsurprising, Leahy’s comments come as several top Senate Republicans — and, privately, even some Democrats — have panned the pick. They take issue with comments Hagel made in the past about Israel, Iran and gays.
Vermont’s junior senator, Bernie Sanders — who, like Leahy, will vote on Hagel’s nomination if it reaches the Senate floor — did not immediately offer his support.
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