Hagel Confirmed-Wicker Opposes, Cochran Votes Yes

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Mississippi's senators were split on the vote to confirm former Republican Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel to replace Leon Panetta as Sec. of Defense. The vote, taken Tuesday, was 58-41 in favor. It was contraversial, with cloture previously invoked, which essentially meant a delay to reconsider. Many Republicans considered Pres. Obama's appointment of Hagel as a deliberate attempt to vex them, citing his contraversial positions on Israel, Iran, homosexuality and what he referred to as the "Jewish lobby" in Washington.

LINK: Roll Call

The Senate nearly toed the party line, with Mississippi's Thad Cochran being one of only four Republicans to vote yes, according to the roll call. He sent News Mississippi the following statement:

“Chuck Hagel feels strongly that the United States should be the most capable military power in the world. He also believes the United States must continue to be committed to Israel's security and its ability to defend its borders,” said Chochran.

“At a time when our adversaries continue to increase their arsenals of rockets and missiles and to develop medium and long range ballistic missiles that threaten our security, the security of our deployed forces, and the security of our friends and allies, it is imperative that we continue to develop, field and maintain a robust missile defense capability. I know Senator Hagel is supportive of these efforts, and I will be pleased to join with him in further advancing these priorities,” he said.

“Throughout his distinguished career in public service, Senator Hagel has proven himself to be a fair, intelligent and courageous leader of good character and integrity."

Meanwhile Sen. Roger Wicker did not agree with Cochran's assessment and believes Hagel was an unimpressive nominee. He said in his statement, though, that he hoped he was wrong and that Hagel would be an outstanding Sec. of Defense.

“Like many of my colleagues, I raised serious and substantive concerns during the confirmation process about Sen. Hagel’s record of troubling statements and positions, which fall well outside the bipartisan mainstream. Our troops and allies need to rely on the words of the next secretary of defense, and they deserved much more comprehensive answers from this nominee, in my view. I hope that misgivings about Sen. Hagel will be allayed and replaced with increased confidence gained as a result of his service at the Pentagon. Although I believed there were more suitable candidates – both Democrats and Republicans – I offer Senator Hagel my congratulations on his confirmation as secretary of defense.”

Wicker's camp released the following video that contains his remarks on why he opposed Hagel's confirmation: