Roberts Won't Back Hagel For Defense Post

Associated Press - Tue 03:34 PM 01/08/2013

Pat Roberts describes his fellow Republican as a longtime friend, but says they have too many differences on foreign policy and national security.

Pat Roberts describes his fellow Republican as a longtime friend, but says they have too many differences on foreign policy and national security.

Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts says he won't support President Barack Obama's nomination of former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense.

Roberts describes his fellow Republican as a longtime friend, but says they have too many differences on foreign policy and national security. Speaking Tuesday in Osage City, Roberts said he and Hagel have differing views on Israel and Iran, among others, that factor into his decision.

Calls to Kansas' other U.S. senator, Republican Jerry Moran, seeking his views on the nomination were not returned Tuesday.

Hagel has drawn criticism for his remarks referring to pro-Israeli interests as "the Jewish lobby" and suggesting they hold too much sway in Washington. He has also called for direct negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.

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passing_by

Tuesday 8 January 2013 15:38 Report this comment

Considering Roberts is against Hagel, this leads me to believe he is possibly the man for the job. Robers never votes for freedom or deficit reduction.

ksfarmdude

Tuesday 8 January 2013 19:07 Report this comment

Time for Roberts to go, he's lost his clout and he's just another carereer politian doing nothing for this state , Hagel is a good choice he server in the military to defend this country, what has roberts done?

grnthums

Tuesday 8 January 2013 19:52 Report this comment

Roberts supports the warmonger lobby and refuses to address massive defense budget expense. He is now free to continue to kick the poor and middle class to the gutter with the majority of Kansans overwhelming approval.