Hagel picks up support from three more Dems

Hagel has faced a barrage of attacks from conservative and
pro-Israel groups in opposition to his nomination, raising concerns
about his views on Israel, Iran and gay rights.

{mosads}Several groups have released TV ads that targeted vulnerable
Senate Democrats up for reelection, as well as Sen. Charles Schumer, the No. 3
Democrat in the Senate. Schumer’s endorsement was viewed as a crucial step for
Hagel’s confirmation.

More than a half-dozen GOP senators have said they oppose
Hagel’s nomination, and Sen. John Barasso (R-Wyo.) laid out his problems with his
former Senate colleague in a Wall Street
Journal op-ed published Thursday.

So far, no Democratic senators have said they will oppose
Hagel — though many have said they have concerns — and no Republicans have said
they will back him. Many senators say they will wait until after next week’s
hearing to decide how they will land on the nomination.