Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, is putting forward former Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut as one possible option for President Obama as the president weighs a replacement for outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.
In a statement, Mr. Cruz said Mr. Hagel’s resignation “reflects the ongoing damage caused by President Obama’s misguided foreign policy of leading from behind.”
“We need a secretary of defense who is squarely focused on defending the national security interests of the United States, first and foremost, and especially preventing a bad deal over Iran’s nuclear weapons program that could do irreparable harm to us and our allies,” Mr. Cruz said. “One strong option would be former Sen. Joe Lieberman, a member of the president’s own party with deep experience and unshakable commitment to the security of the United States. I urge the president to give him full and fair consideration for this critical position.”
Mr. Lieberman, a Democrat-turned-independent, was the 2000 Democratic vice presidential nominee but won re-election as an independent in 2006 after losing a Democratic primary. He endorsed Sen. John McCain, Arizona Republican, in the 2008 presidential race and is close to both Mr. McCain and Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Republican — two reliably hawkish voices in the U.S. Senate.
Michele Flournoy, a former under secretary of defense for policy, is said to be the frontrunner to replace Mr. Hagel on a list that also includes current and former Hagel deputies Robert Work and Ashton Carter, along with Rep. Adam Smith, Washington Democrat.
Sen. Jack Reed, Rhode Island Democrat, was also floated as a possibility Monday but Mr. Reed’s staff said he does not want to be considered.
SEE ALSO: Michele Flournoy is front-runner to replace Chuck Hagel as Defense Secretary
Mr. Cruz, who wants the Senate to hold up Mr. Obama’s nominations over his recent executive actions on immigration, except for vital national security positions, said defense secretary does indeed fall into that category and called on the Senate to “promptly” confirm a strong and qualified nominee.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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