WASHINGTON — Chuck Hagel has emerged from a grueling confirmation hearing with solid Democratic support for his nomination to be President Barack Obama's next defense secretary and relentless opposition from Republican senators who fiercely challenged their former colleague on Iran, Israel and other issues. Hagel appears to have enough senators' votes as he looks to succeed Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. Democrats hold a 14-12 advantage on the Senate Armed Services Committee that questioned Hagel on Thursday, and Chairman Carl Levin said the panel could vote as early as next Thursday. Democrats control the Senate. Levin expressed optimism about Hagel's prospects. “But I think there are a whole lot of folks who basically decided before the hearing that they were going to vote against him,” Levin said. — AP
