Sen. Shelby Announces Support for Hagel Nomination

Had originally voted against bringing nomination to a vote

Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), who last week voted against bringing former senator Chuck Hagel's nomination for Secretary of Defense to a vote, now says he is set to support Hagel.

"Sen. Shelby intends to support the Hagel nomination, barring any unforeseen surprises between now and the vote," Shelby's spokesman, Jonathan Graffeo, told The Fix.

Graffeo added: "He voted against cloture last week as a courtesy to his colleagues who needed more time to examine Hagel's record. Having provided sufficient time, and taking all factors into consideration, he intends to support the nomination."