Chuck Hagel for President in 2008

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Robert Novak piece
2007-04-29 05:41:00
Robert Nova k has a piece out with some discussion of Chuck Hagel's future plans:HAGEL?S DECISION Sen. Chuck Hagel, facing opposition from the right wing of the Nebraska Republican Party, is expected to decide within the next two and one-half months what he will do in 2008: run for President, seek a third term in the Senate, or neither. Hagel has been testing the presidential waters in Iowa and New Hampshire over the past several months. He would be the only major Republican presidential prospect who opposes President Bush?s Iraq war policy. His stance on the war may force a contested Nebraska primary against Hagel, who has been the state?s most popular Republican in a generation. State Atty. Gen. Jon Bruning has withdrawn his earlier support for Hagel and indicated he may run against him for the Republican nomination for the Senate. However, Hagel would be backed by Gov. Dave Heineman and other prominent Nebraska Republicans. I don't know if the time table is accurate or not,...
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Press release: "Hagel Statement on Vote in Favor of War Supplemental Spendi
2007-04-27 02:55:00
The second of two press releases today from the Senate office of Chuck Hagel:Hagel Statement on Vote in Favor of War Supplemental Spending BillApril 26th, 2007 - Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) released the following statement today regarding his vote in favor of the Iraq War Supplemental spending bill:?I do not believe the current policy we have in Iraq is worthy of the sacrifices our troops are making and I will not continue to support it. Given a choice between the two options of voting for this bill or supporting the current course we are on in Iraq, I chose to vote for this bill. We need a change of policy.?The President will veto this legislation and we will find ourselves at a crossroads. The Administration and Congress must find a responsible common ground on a new Iraq policy that funds our troops, strips the unnecessary spending out of this bill, addresses our national interests in Iraq and the Middle East, and presses the Iraqi government to find a poli...
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Press release: "Hagel Introduces Legislation to Deal with Illegal Immigrant
2007-04-27 02:54:00
Here is the first of two press releases from Chuck Hagel's Senate office today:Hagel Introduces Legislation to Deal with Illegal Immigrants Living in the U.S.April 26th, 2007 - Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) today introduced ?The Immigrant Accountability Act of 2007.? The legislation would create a merit-based point system to deal with those living in the country illegally. Those who receive enough points would be put on a pathway to earn citizenship after 13 years. Under Hagel?s bill, no person here illegally would be able to jump in line ahead of someone who has applied for citizenship legally.Hagel?s legislation is a compromise intended to be incorporated into the comprehensive immigration reform legislation the Senate will consider in May. The legislation builds on previous immigration reform legislation introduced by Hagel in the last two Congresses.?It is not in our interest to have 12 million people living here illegally. We must create a system in which ...
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Entitlement Reform - Press Release
2007-04-26 03:44:00
Here's a press release from Chuck Hagel's Senate office:Hagel, Tanner, Webb and Castle Reintroduce Bicameral and Bipartisan Legislation to Create Comprehensive Entitlement Reform CommissionApril 24th, 2007 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Jim Webb (D-VA), and Representatives John Tanner (D-TN) and Mike Castle (R-DE) reintroduced legislation in the Senate and House today to create a Comprehensive Entitlement Reform Commission. The commission would review Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and make recommendations to Congress that would sustain the solvency and stability of these three programs for future generations. Hagel and Tanner both introduced the legislation in the last Congress.?Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid have played a vital role for millions of Americans to cope with the financial burdens of retirement and health care costs. However, over the next 75 years these three programs represent a $47 trillion unfunded commitment and are on a t...
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Draft Hagel '08 - Mission: Memorial Day!
2007-04-25 03:41:00
From Draft Hagel '08:We have a mission to accomplish by Memoria l Day if we want to see Chuck Hagel's views presented to the American people in the 2008 Presidential election!We are asking that, by May 28, you try and find 25 new supporters to sign the online petition! How? Talk to people you know, talk to people they know, let them know that we need their help in making sure that America does not have to suffer through the 2008 election, that signing the online petition shows Senator Hagel that we need his views expressed through the Presidential election! If you and a friend were to stand on a busy corner over a weekend, that's all it would take to accomplish the 25!If you hear someone say, "It's too early to make that decision," tell them you're not asking them who they will support in 2008, but rather that you would like their help in making sure a true American has the right to be one of their choices!Are you a doctor, nurse, teacher, lawyer, scientist, housewife, hous...
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Hagel's op-ed in today's Washington Post
2007-04-22 19:40:00
Senator Hagel wrote an op-ed that is in today's Washington Post . This piece is the result of his recent trip to Iraq .In Iraq, All Terribly Familiar By Chuck Hagel Sunday, April 22, 2007; Page B01 Last weekend, along with Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Pa.), I completed my fifth trip to Iraq, and I am frustrated and worried. We are still risking the lives of our troops without giving them a realistic policy worthy of their sacrifices. To me, as a Vietnam veteran, that feels terribly familiar.If success were simply a matter of the determination and ability of U.S. troops and civil servants, we would have already created a secure and stable Iraq. But unfortunately, the reality is that after more than four years, America remains the country's occupying power. Iraq's future will be determined by Iraqis, who, I hope, will reach a political accommodation -- but America is still making the major decisions and taking the lead militarily in most critical areas of the country. We can continue to help...
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"If Steve McQueen had ever run for political office, he would have been Chu
2007-04-21 22:37:00
There is a piece in the SeacoastOnline that is well worth a read. It's quite entertaining, really. Here is an excerpt:[T]he point is this: Now in particular, after the 16 years that will have preceded our next president, we?re going to need an individual we can respect and admire and take pride in. Someone who can inspire us and help define us as a nation. Or in this case, redefine us.When even the national media was busy playing cheerleader during our march into war in Iraq, Hagel had the insight to recognize the potential for disaster and the cajones to voice his concerns in public. He recently returned from his fifth visit to the war-torn country, reiterating the importance ?that the Iraqi people now carry forward the assistance that the American government has given.??The future of Iraq will be determined by the Iraqi people,? he said.The refreshing candor Hagel has brought to Washington would be welcomed in the presidential campaign, and especially in New Hampshire . Web site...
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Draft Hagel merchandise site
2007-04-19 06:29:00
If you're looking for Hagel merchandise (of the Draft Hagel variety primarily) check out the new site: THE OFFICIAL DRAFT HAGEL '08 STORE.
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The American Conservative - Cover Story
2007-04-17 16:47:00
The cover story at The American Conservative this issue is "Hagel's Dilemma." The full piece is excellent and I highly recommend it. Here are some excerpts:"[H]ere at ground zero of the conservative movement were innumerable depictions of the late President Ronald Reagan, tons of literature and rhetoric about the sanctity of life, traditional values, constitutional correctness, limited government, states? rights, and self-determination. In his 11 years as a U.S. senator, Hagel has in some way defended them all, yet he is a pariah in what should be his political comfort zone."..."Simply put, it is the 800-pound gorilla that no one at CPAC wanted to talk about this year?the war in Iraq?that has come between Hagel and the conservative grassroots. It is why they are willing to overlook Republican Rudy Giuliani?s anti-gun and pro-gay positions or Mitt Romney?s mid-career conversion against abortion."..." ?Talk about no good deed going unpunished. If you use voting record as the center...
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Hagel to travel to Iraq again
2007-04-12 19:02:00
Senator Hagel will be traveling to Iraq for the fifth time. The full details are in this press release that his Senate office issued today.Hagel, Sestak to Travel to IraqApril 12th, 2007 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA) will travel to Iraq this week to examine security, political and economic conditions during a 2-day tour of the country. Senator Hagel and Congressman Sestak will leave on Thursday, April 12th and return on Monday, April 16th. Hagel, a Vietnam War veteran, serves on the Senate Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees. Sestak, a retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral, serves on the House Armed Services Committee.?This trip will allow us an opportunity to assess our progress in Iraq and the Middle East and meet with the key leaders of this region. I also look forward to meeting with Nebraska troops serving in Iraq,? Hagel said.?I appreciate the opportunity to talk with our commanders and the troops that are forward in...
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Press Release: "Hagel Statement on Secretary Gates? Announcement Extending
2007-04-12 19:01:00
Here's a press release from Chuck Hagel's Senate office that was released yesterday:Hagel Statement on Secretary Gates? Announcement Extending Army Deployments from 12 to 15 MonthsApril 11th, 2007 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) released the following statement today regarding Defense Secretary Robert Gates? announcement that U.S. Army deployments will be extended from 12 to 15 months:?Secretary Gates is right to bring greater predictability and clarity regarding the deployment of our military overseas rather than allowing creeping deployment extensions. However, the Secretary?s announcement extending the deployments of active duty Army units is a stark admission that the Administration?s policies in Iraq are doing permanent damage to our military and a clear acknowledgment that the U.S. military is being forced to ignore its own deployment standards. Maintaining this tempo of operations will have drastic and lasting consequences for our nation?s military read...
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"Green Conservatism?" at GOPProgress
2007-04-11 19:35:00
There is an interesting post by Liz Mair over at GOPProg ress that I wanted to share an excerpt from:For those who missed it, yesterday, John Kerry and Newt Gingrich went head-to-head on the subject of climate change. The upshot? Kerry trotted out the same, tired, lefty enviro talking points, while Gingrich said something bold and thought-provoking: climate change is a problem, and we need deal with it--but not by creating a regime that will increase fines, bureaucracy, and litigation and, very likely, do too little to actually solve the problem in question.The ideas that Gingrich voiced were not completely radical or never-before-heard. As my friend Phil Klein at the American Spectator wrote yesterday, "he suggested that the government offer tax credits for the market to develop new technologies, and prizes for the invention of new technologies such as a hydrogen car." Such initiatives would be strikingly similar to some previously suggested, and indeed pushed in major legislatio...
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Letter to the Editor in The Observer-Dispatch
2007-04-06 07:57:00
I ran across this letter to the editor yesterday:Hold senators to fire regarding Iraq voteOn March 27, the U.S. Senate voted 50 to 48 for a nonbinding resolution supporting a pullout of U.S. troops from Iraq by this time next year.Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, a Vietnam veteran and staunch conservative, was the only Republican to support the measure. In explaining his vote, he argued "Iraq belongs to the 25 million Iraqis who live there. It doesn't belong to the United States. Iraq is not a prize to be won or lost." Wise words. If George Bush's disastrous misadventure in Iraq continues through the November 2008 elections, the Republican senators who failed to follow Hagel's lead should be held accountable. Iraq doesn't belong to the U.S. It's time to bring our troops home.Maurice IssermanClintonFrom The Observer-Dispatch If you have written or seen a letter to the editor about Chuck Hagel I'd love to hear about it.
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A message from a visitor
2007-04-05 06:40:00
Here is a message I got from a visitor to the site this week:"As a Reagan Democrat, I am very proud of the way Chuck Hagel has stood up for what is right and wrong with the Bush/Cheney war machine. I would support Senator Hagel for President over any of the Candidates on either side of the aisle."It has been my argument for a while that Senator Hagel could gain the support of the Reagan Democrats.
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Hagel on the issues - COMBATING METHAMPHETAMINE
2007-04-04 06:50:00
Hagel on the issues (from his new website):COMBATING METHAMPHETAMINESenator Hagel co-sponsored the Comb at Meth Act which the President signed into law. This legislation authorizes increased funds for local law enforcement in the fight to eliminate meth. Senator Hagel has held Congressional hearings on the impact of meth on American communities and the danger of meth trafficking.
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Hagel on the issues - HEALTH CARE
2007-04-03 06:17:00
Part 9 in the series on Hagel 's issue positions. From his website:HEALTH CARESenator Hagel formed a Health Care Commission which has brought together key health care professionals and leaders from Nebraska and the nation's health care fields. The purpose of the Commission is to review the current state of health care and present recommendations for a sustainable, accessible, affordable and quality health care system for the 21st century.
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Hagel on the issues - PRO-LIFE AND CONSERVATIVE JUDGES
2007-04-02 14:33:00
Today I pick up where we left of a week ago on Chuck Hagel's positions on a variety of issues. The information comes from his website.PRO-LIFE AND CONSERVATIVE JUDGESSenator Hagel has been a consistent supporter of life since he came to the Senate and has supported everyone of President Bush's judicial nominees, including Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Samuel Alito.
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"Diamonds Don't Always Lie at the Surface: For a Chuck Hagel Presidency"
2007-04-02 04:35:00
There is a good editorial in favor of a Hagel Presidency at First Call. The piece, "Diamonds Don't Always Lie at the Surface: For a Chuck Hagel Presidency," is by Al Moran. Here are some excerpts:Hagel?s conservative credentials are extremely sound: he has consistently voted against abortion, downplayed the need for even more money to be put into public education programs without organizing the tremendous amount that?s already there, supported reforming Social Security so the nest egg doesn?t dry up in the very-near future, etc....Hagel has responded with the statement that he swore an oath of office to the Constitution, and not one to a party or particular ideology. I greatly admire and respect this; Hagel seems to be a voice of reason in a conservative base that is increasingly straying from its intellectual and traditional roots. He simply wants to question an administration that has erred. We have been involved in Iraq for quite some time now. The administration?s proposals m...
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Campus Coordinators
2007-03-30 21:20:00
We have a new push on in the Students for Hagel element of the Draft Hagel movement. We are taking the movement to colleges and universities around the nation.We are recruiting Camp us Coordinator s to take the lead in organizing the grassroots movement on campuses across the country. If you are a college student interested in helping with the Draft Hagel movement on your campus, please let us know (email me or post a comment).Today we are happy to announce the first of the new Campus Coordinators.Steven Place at Catholic University (Washington D.C.)John McNamara at Hillsdale College (Michigan)
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Draft Hagel merchandise site launched!
2007-03-29 20:58:00
The Draft Hagel store has been launched! Now you can show your support with buttons and stickers. Check out the store, as it has some cool items and designs.
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Press Release: "Hagel-Webb Introduce Amendment to Protect Readiness of U.S.
2007-03-28 00:04:00
Here's a press release from Chuck Hagel's Senate website:Hagel-Webb Introduce Amendment to Protect Readiness of U.S. Troops and Limit DeploymentsMarch 27th, 2007 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Jim Webb (D-VA) introduced a bipartisan amendment today to the Iraq War supplemental spending bill. The amendment:• ensures that units and individuals in the Armed Forces be certified as “fully mission capable” 15 days prior to deployment;• limits the length of overseas deployments of the Army, Marine Corps, and National Guard;• establishes a minimum time between deployments for the Army, Marine Corps and National Guard;• provides additional appropriations totaling approximately $3.1 billion to reset Army National Guard and Reserve equipment and to address funding shortfalls for Army National Guard training, operations and maintenance; and to fund the acquisition of additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protection vehi...
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Video of Senator Hagel on This Week
2007-03-27 02:06:00
Check out the video of Chuck Hagel on ABC's This Week from yesterday.
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Hagel on the issues - IMMIGRATION
2007-03-25 18:06:00
Senator Hagel has been a key player in the immigration debate for the last few years. Once again, the information comes from his website.IMMIGRATIONSenator Hagel co-authored legislation in the Senate which would add 14,000 new border patrol agents; quadruple border fencing; require aliens show a biometric, machine-readable and tamper-resistant identification card for work authorization; increase fines for hiring illegal workers; and deal with the 12 million illegal immigrants living in this country.
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Hagel on the issues - SMALLER GOVERNMENT AND DECREASED SPENDING
2007-03-24 15:34:00
Part six in this week's series on Chuck Hagel on the issues. The information comes from his new website.SMALLER GOVERNMENT AND DECREASED SPENDINGSenator Hagel has stood up to increased spending and bigger government by voting against large budget busting bills like the Medicare Reform Bill and No Child Left Behind.
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Press Release: "Hagel Introduces Resolution Commemorating 25th Anniversary
2007-03-24 14:40:00
Here's another press release from this week:Hagel Introduces Resolution Commemorating 25th Anniversary of Vietnam Memo rialMarch 22nd, 2007 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) introduced a resolution today commemorating March 26th as the 25th anniversary of the construction and dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The bill has 53 cosponsors. Hagel, a twice-wounded Vietnam veteran, and former Deputy Administrator of the Veterans Administration, spoke at the 1982 groundbreaking for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. On March 26th, Hagel will speak at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.“The creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial marked the beginning of a healing process for a nation, and veterans, divided by the war. Now, every year millions of Americans come to this monument to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate ...
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Press Release: "Hagel Reintroduces Bill to Aid Military Families"
2007-03-24 14:35:00
Chuck Hagel's Senate Office released this press release this week:Hagel Reintroduces Bill to Aid Military Families March 20th, 2007 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) joined Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) today in reintroducing the “Military Retiree Survivor Benefit Equity Act.” This legislation would allow qualifying surviving spouses of military service members to receive survivor annuities—without being offset—from both the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Defense.“America owes a great debt of gratitude to our professional service members. It is important to remember that years of devoted service also affects not only service members, but their families. This legislation will ensure that surviving military spouses are guaranteed access to the benefits that were earned and purchased by the service of their loved one,” Hagel said.Currently, when a retired service member passes away from a service-related disability, the surviving spo...
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Hagel to be on This Week on Sunday
2007-03-23 21:01:00
Senator Hagel will be on This Week (on ABC) this Sunday . Check your local listings for time and channel.

Hagel on the issues - EDUCATION
2007-03-23 14:28:00
Today's topic is education. The information comes from his new website.EDUCATIONSenator Hagel has led the effort in the Senate to reduce the 30-year-old unfunded education mandate on our local schools by increasing funds for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Senator Hagel has worked to increase funding to support Nebraska's community colleges. Senator Hagel voted against No Child Left Behind because it expands the role of the federal government in education and undermines local and state control of education.
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Bonus post for today - "Dark Horse Hagel"
2007-03-23 00:13:00
If you have a minute check out "Dark Horse Hagel".
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Hagel on the issues - AGRICULTURE
2007-03-22 14:53:00
Once again, the information comes from his new webite. AGRICULTURESenator Hagel has worked to pass $4 billion in drought disaster assistance through a responsible and accountable legislative process in the Senate this year. In July, Senator Hagel toured drought-stricken counties around Nebraska. Senator Hagel worked with the Japanese government to re-open the multi-billion dollar Japanese market to U.S. beef.
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