BREAKING NEWS

US Senator McCain opposes blocking tactics on Hagel vote

By REUTERS

FEBRUARY 5, 2013 05:30

WASHINGTON - Senator John McCain said on Monday he opposes using a procedural hurdle to block a vote on Chuck Hagel's nomination to be defense secretary, a stance likely to boost White House confidence that Hagel will win Senate confirmation.

"I do not support a filibuster," the Arizona Republican told reporters at the Capitol. "I don't think it's appropriate and I would oppose such a move."

McCain, the Republican presidential nominee in 2008, did not say whether he would vote to confirm Hagel.

The former Republican senator faced a barrage of questions about his record from McCain and others last week when he appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

But even before McCain spoke, a source close to the administration of President Barack Obama said the White House believed it would have the votes to get Hagel confirmed.

Administration insiders say their "head count" shows that all 53 Democrats in the Senate, as well as two independents and a handful of moderate Republicans, are likely to vote to confirm Hagel.

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