Two Republican women Senators, considered the most “moderate” in the party caucus, have come out in committee against the nomination of Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense.
Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine have made clear that they are unhappy with Hegseth’s statements in the past against women in the military, although he has backed off on that idea recently.
Murkowski does not face an election until 2028, and already in the past, had kept her seat as an Independent in one election race. And Susan Collins has hinted she may not run for reelection in 2026, but even if she does, she is in a strong position in a state that is more “Blue”, but her ability to keep her seat has been strong in the past. She has served 28 years and is the longest serving female Republican Senator in American history.
The question is whether there are two more Republicans who will have the guts and courage to join Murkowski and Collins. Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, former Majority and Minority Leader, is a “free spirit” in his last two years in the upper chamber, who disagrees with Donald Trump on foreign and defense policy, so might rebel against Hegseth.
Joni Ernst of Iowa seemed a possible negative vote, but was pressured in her home state to support Hegseth, and therefore looks likely to vote for him despite some qualms.
As stated by this author and blogger in an earlier post on January 12, there are a few other Republican Senators who might, hopefully, join in opposition, particularly the new Utah Senator John Curtis, seen as similar in moderation as was Mitt Romney, plus Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, James Lankford of Oklahoma, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina!
If not voting against Hegseth, there is greater possibility that some of this group will vote against other objectionable nominees, including Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, and Kash Patel.
Senate sets Friday evening confirmation vote for Hegseth.
A couple of my co-workers were talking about RFK Jr. recently. They like that he wants to reduce the amount of ultra-processed food in the American food supply. I’ll admit, that’s a good thing. But anything good he does will be outweighed by all the dangerous things he does.
My neighbors are the same way. They either ignore RFK Jr.’s nutty views or they aren’t well-informed about them.
Princess Leia, the real issue is lack of being well informed, basically that people are ignorant of the truth and reality, or just do not care about anyone but themselves!
This is, if not overcome, the downfall of American democracy, and reminds us of the ignorance and lack of concern of German citizens about Adolf Hitler!
So far, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Mitch McConnell have voted No to Hegseth. If no other Republicans vote No, it looks like Vance will have to break the tie.
Final vote was 50-50 with Vance breaking the tie.
Great. We now have a drunk, sexual assaulter in charge of the Pentagon.
Putting this guy in charge of the US military will be a DISASTER.
Democratic senator Whitehouse is considering voting for RFK Jr.
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/dems-worry-sen-whitehouse-considering-vote-for-rfk-jr
No Democrat should vote for RFK Jr.
Princess Leia and Pragmatic Progressive, it is a shock to consider that Sheldon Whitehouse would consider voting for RFK Jr just on the basis of a college friendship. I have always admired Whitehouse for his principles and sincerity, so I hope this is a false alarm! 🙁
Part of this mess we’re in I blame on uncommitted voters, who sat out the election. I hope they are satisfied with what they go. I don’t feel sorry for them one bit.