Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), a vocal opponent of former Sen. Chuck Hagel, said on Monday that he would not support an effort to filibuster his nomination as defense secretary, Politico reports:
“I just do not believe a filibuster is appropriate, and I would oppose such a move … I will try to make that argument to my colleagues,” the Arizona Republican said.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) told reporters Saturday that Senate Republicans have not yet decided whether to filibuster Hagel’s nomination.
“Opposition to him is intensifying,” McConnell said. “Whether that means he will end up having to achieve 60 votes or 51 is not clear yet.”
As the Washington Post notes, a Senate filibuster of a presidential cabinet nominee would be unprecedented.
