We just voted on his replacement..Johanns (R).
My one hope is that Obama will at least pick a Sec Def who, while he may be a RINO, won’t allow the troops to be put in a precarious position tactically. Strategy is one thing, but if they withdraw from Iraq I at LEAST pray someone will ensure it is done properly and not turn into a national nightmare in terms of loss of life.
While I am ticked at Powell, I do think he would be able to stop Obama from doing something that would cause a logistical disaster. Again, strategy is another matter. But if nothing else, at least ensure the safety of the troops. If he appoints some professorial type we are even more screwed than we already are.
Governor is Republican, generally conservative. No one around here will be sorry to see Hagel gone from the Senate. Johanns (former governor, Sect’y of Agriculture under Dubya’s 2nd term) will be the new Senator.
Some local magazine came in the mail or newspaper the other day, with a big face photo of Hagel on the cover. I have no idea what it was, it went straight to the recycling bin. I was afraid to touch it any more than absolutely necessary.
Hagel decided to retire from the Senate the day after he discovered he was nine points behind any GOP challenger. He will not be missed.
Our new senator is Mike Johanns who was governor when George W. tapped him for Secy of Agriculture. He was replaced by Lt. Gov. Dave Hineman, a rural southeast Nebraskan, who is dependably conservative.