Shelby a key vote for Hagel - WLTZ 38 | Columbus Georgia Regional News & Community

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chuck Hagel, the former Senator who has had a rough ride toward confirmation as Secretary of Defense, now seems to have the necessary votes to get installed at the Pentagon.

This is because a key Senator, Alabama's Richard Shelby, has said that he will vote for Hagel.

Supporters of Hagel have argued vehemently that President Barack Obama should be able to have the person of his choice in the job, and they say Republican opponents have not made a sufficient case for turning Hagel aside.