McCain Walks Back No-Filibuster Vow on Hagel Nomination

Perhaps we spoke too soon. Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain is reportedly reconsidering a move to block a vote on President Barack Obama's controversial choice for secretary of Defense, former Senate colleague Chuck Hagel.

See also:

• Will Chuck Hagel Make it to the Senate Confirmation?
• Obama's Second Term Agenda
• Secretary of State Nominee John Kerry

Speaking earlier this year, McCain said he opposed an unprecedented filibuster of a cabinet nominee. "I do not believe a filibuster is appropriate and I would oppose such a move," McCain said.

Many Republicans have been critical of Hagel over his views on Iran and Israel, not to mention has own past outspokenness against President George W. Bush and his administration's handling of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

McCain now appears to be walking back his opposition to a filibuster, or is bluffing in an attempt to extract more information from the Obama administration about the September 2012 attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya, which killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three others.

McCain, pressed by the news outlet Politico about whether he would favor a full Senate vote on Hagel, said he is undecided."I am awaiting the answer to see whether they are going to answer or not, then I will decide," McCain said.

The Senate Armed Services Committee voted 14 to 11 to send Hagel's nomination to the full Senate this week. The 11 senators who voted against Hagel are all Republicans.

[Photo of U.S. Sen. John McCain/Getty Images News]

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