Democratic California Senators, Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer take slightly different views toward Hagel nomination

Sen. Boxer’s concerns about the Hagel nomination include equality for LGBT in the military and reproductive health care. Image/US Senate

The Golden State Senators, Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, came out yesterday in response to President Obama’s “controversial” nomination of former Nebraska Senator and war veteran, Chuck Hagel.

The Senators look at the Hagel nomination with some different concerns.

Sen. Boxer’s concerns with the nomination crossed a whole gamut of issues. Boxer said in a press release yesterday, “The President is determined to add bipartisanship to his national security team. He selected a former Republican Senator who has shown great valor on the battlefield and a dedication to public service.

“I will follow former Senator Hagel’s confirmation process very closely to ensure that he shares the President’s commitment to a secure Middle East, full equality for LGBT service members and their families, and equal opportunity for leadership roles and access to reproductive health care for women in the military.”

While the more “hawkish” Sen. Feinstein came out in more direct support of her former colleague saying, “I am pleased to support Chuck Hagel to be the next Secretary of Defense.  I served with Senator Hagel during his two terms in the U.S. Senate—including his service on the Senate Intelligence Committee from 2003-2008.  I found him to be a knowledgeable and independent voice with a strong grasp of the pressing national security issues facing our country.  In addition to his service in the Senate, Senator Hagel has co-chaired the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board and served with distinction as a sergeant in the U.S. Army where he earned two Purple Hearts.

“I strongly believe that a president is entitled to his cabinet selections unless there is something in an individual’s record or background that is disqualifying.  As Secretary of Defense, Senator Hagel will implement the administration’s policies in Afghanistan and around the world, and will be responsible for managing the Department of Defense in an era of reduced spending.  I look forward to supporting him during the confirmation process.”

The Hagel nomination has drawn some harsh criticism from the left as in the case of pro-Israel attorney Alan Dershowitz, and the right, as demonstrated in statements from South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.