Sen. Boxer to back Hagel for Defense post

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said Monday that she intends
to back former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) for Defense secretary.

“After speaking extensively with Sen. Hagel by phone last
week and after receiving a detailed written response to my questions late today,
I will support Sen. Hagel’s nomination as secretary of Defense,” said Boxer
in a statement.

Boxer said that Hagel had “pledged without reservation to
support President Obama’s polices — policies that I believe have made our world
safer and our alliances stronger.”

The senator’s support provides a strong boost for Hagel, who
has courted Democrats on Capitol Hill this week ahead of what is likely to be a
tough confirmation fight.

{mosads}Hagel, who has been tapped to replace departing Secretary
Leon Panetta, has been under intense scrutiny over past remarks accusing a “Jewish
lobby” of intimidating lawmakers and calls for the U.S. to diplomatically engage
Iran and Hamas.

Pro-Jewish groups and many GOP senators have said Hagel
would be a weak ally to Israel and not work forcefully to prevent Iran from acquiring
nuclear weapons.

Additionally, pro-gay-rights groups have seized on his past
criticism of an openly gay ambassadorial nominee. Hagel has apologized for
those remarks.

The California senator said Hagel had clarified his position
on a number of issues, including Iran and Israel. Boxer said “his answers were
reassuring and show a sensitivity and understanding.”

In a letter to Boxer, Hagel said he regretted using the term
“Jewish lobby,” calling it a “very poor choice of words.”  

“America’s relationship with Israel is one that is
fundamentally built on our nations’ shared values, common interests and
democratic ideals,” said Hagel. “I fully intend to expand the depth and breadth
of U.S.-Israel cooperation.”

Hagel on Monday also met with Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.),
a strong Israel supporter, whose backing for the nominee could be crucial in
swinging other Democrats.

Boxer will hold a press conference Tuesday at 11 a.m. to
discuss her support for Hagel.