Hagel Set to Be Confirmed Despite GOP Shenanigans

That should give Mr. Hagel at least 58 votes for confirmation (with 53 Senate Democrats and the two left-leaning New England independents.) The nomination has appeared to be secure since Sunday when Republican Sen. John McCain, who opposes Mr. Hagel's appointment to lead the Pentagon, said he would no longer support a filibuster to block a straight up-or-down vote, giving Senate Democrats the 60 votes needed to proceed to a vote on the nomination. With Mr. Shelby's decision, the count is now 61. WSJ