Inhofe Says He Won't Support Hagel As Defense Secretary

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) is making it known he will not support former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel to be the next Secretary of Defense.

"On many of the security challenges facing the U.S. interests around the world, Sen. Hagel's record is deeply troubling and out of the mainstream," Inhofe said.

Inhofe made some of the opening statements at Hagel's hearing today.

Hagel served as a U.S. Senator from Nebraska for 12 years, and during that time, he made controversial comments about Israel that a lot of lawmakers still question.

If confirmed, Hagel would become the first enlisted man and first Vietnam War veteran to lead the Pentagon and the only Republican in President Obama's Cabinet.

On Tuesday, Inhofe was one of three no votes cast against confirming fellow Sen. John Kerry as the next Secretary of State.