[KC_Conspirator]

This does not make any sense. They would still have enough votes to pass. Why would Hagel jeopardize his standing on a throwaway vote like this?

[hinterlander]

This does not make any sense. They would still have enough votes to pass. Why would Hagel jeopardize his standing on a throwaway vote like this?

The vote is in committee. The GOP needs all their guys (including Hagel and Chafee) to vote for Bolton to get him out of committee and onto the senate floor.