Hagel picks up support from three more Dems

Former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) can add another three “yea” votes to his whip count Thursday, as a trio of Democratic senators said they were backing President Obama’s Defense secretary nominee.

Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said they would support Hagel’s confirmation after each of the senators had a one-on-one meeting with Hagel Thursday.

The support from the Democrats comes as Hagel has reached out to meet with as many senators as he can before his confirmation hearing next week.

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.

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.

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