Richard Shelby Plans To Vote For Chuck Hagel Confirmation

WASHINGTON--Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) plans to vote to confirm President Barack Obama's choice for defense secretary, former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), a major turn in favor for a nominee who has faced strong opposition from Senate Republicans.

"He’s probably as good as we’re going to get," Shelby said of Hagel in a Wednesday speech, according to a report in the Decatur Daily.

Shelby spokesman Jonathan Graffeo confirmed his intentions in an email to The Huffington Post. "Barring any unforseen surprises before the votes, Sen. Shelby intends to support both nominations," he said, adding that he would vote for Treasury Secretary nominee Jack Lew as well.

Senate Republicans succeeded in sustaining an unprecedented filibuster on Hagel's nomination Thursday after Democrats failed to get the 60 votes needed to invoke cloture. The Senate is currently in recess, but Hagel is likely to face an easier road after this week.

Hagel has faced questions over his comments about the Israeli lobby's influence in Washington, his position on Iran and his outspoken criticism of the war In Iraq, despite the fact that he initially voted for it.