Chuck Hagel Nomination Gets Support From First GOP Senator, Thad Cochran

First Republican Comes Forward To Support Chuck Hagel Nomination
TOKYO - OCTOBER 16: Senior US Senator Chuck Hagel waits for Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso at the premier's official residence on October 16, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan. Senator Hagel is making an official visit to meet PM Aso during his 3-day stay in Japan. (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images)
TOKYO - OCTOBER 16: Senior US Senator Chuck Hagel waits for Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso at the premier's official residence on October 16, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan. Senator Hagel is making an official visit to meet PM Aso during his 3-day stay in Japan. (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images)

Mississippi GOP Sen. Thad Cochran on Tuesday became the first Republican to publicly back Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) as President Barack Obama's defense secretary nominee, according to Roll Call.

A spokesman for Cochran confirmed the senator's endorsement in a statement to The Hill.

Hagel has secured support from leading Senate Democrats and received very little opposition from that side of the aisle. However, top Senate Republicans have remained hesitant to back Hagel, citing his stance on the defense budget and alleged conflicts of interest.

Hagel met with senators earlier this month, ahead of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday. Top Senate Republicans signaled that they would wait until the confirmation hearing before passing judgement on Hagel. Democrats hold a 55-45 advantage in the Senate, so Hagel would need five Republican votes to reach the 60-vote threshold necessary to prevent a GOP filibuster.

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