Senator Chuck Hagel

[the observationist]

Did anyone see the write up of Sen. Chuck Hagel in the Omaha World Herald last weekend? They named him "Midlander of the Year". I know some of his views are right wing, but his stance on the war has been great, in my opinion. What does everyone else think about him?

Here is the Omaha World Herald story:
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1638&u_sid=2091386

[Omaha Steve]

1. HE and the WH still own ES&S

So the award is a no brainer.

[StoryTeller]

2. I didn't see the article, but...

I did get a call from his office today. I'd sent in one of those emails regarding the domestic spying issue, and someone from his office called back today to tell me that they'd received my email. It sounded a bit like he was reading off a script, so I imagine they've gotten a good amount of correspondance about it. The person said that Senator Hagel was concerned about it too and since he is on the Intelligence Committe would be pushing for oversight hearings on the matter.

When the guy said to please feel free to ask any more questions I had, I said I had one that I'd like to ask right then. I said that I know this is a politically charged issue, and would Sen. Hagel be willing to do the right thing, even if it meant going against his own party? The guy said that they actually get this question a lot and that Sen. Hagel's stance has always been that he doesn't represent the pres. or the party, but the people of Nebraska, and that he is willing to do what he feels is the right thing.

I told him that we've (my husband and I) become very frustrated with how the Republican party has constantly ignored things like this and have done whatever is politically expedient instead of trying to accomplish good. I said that we even changed our voting registration because we just couldn't support the republican party any more. And then I told him that we've also been pretty pleased with the things we've been hearing from Sen. Hagel, and we think he's doing a pretty good job.

The guy was very pleasant and understanding, and said he would pass along my comments.

So I know it was just mostly typical political placating, but it did feel good to get a phone call and have a chance to share my thoughts. It encourages me to make more efforts like that.

I think Sen. Hagel is one of the better republicans out there. I don't know how sincere he is, but then, I tend to be rather cynical about any politician's sincerity. Last year, I saw him in a neighborhood grocery store here in Omaha on Christmas Eve. That was pretty cool. :)

[LiberalAndProud]

3. He talks a good talk.

He just doesn't pay any attention to himself when he votes ...

go figure

[BensMom]

4. He scares me

Swarmy.

Says the right things at the right time.
Good for media sound bites.

It's just something about him. He just sets off my "internal alarm"...

[StoryTeller]

5. Natural reaction...

It seems that this is a natural reaction anytime a Republican politician speaks. It's the ideology--they can't help it. :)