RINO Lisa Murkowski just announced that she will opposing Pete Hegseth’s confirmation to be Secretary of Defense:
Murkowski: After thorough evaluation, I must conclude that I cannot in good conscience support his nomination for Secretary of Defense.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) January 23, 2025
It continues…
Although he has recently revised his statements on women in combat since being nominated, I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join. Women have served our nation with distinction, overcoming immense obstacles to excel in combat and leadership roles, and they deserve to know that their leader honors and values their commitment to our nation.
While the allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking do nothing to quiet my concerns, the past behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity on multiple occasions, demonstrate a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces. These behaviors starkly contrast the values and discipline expected of servicemembers. Men and women in uniform are held accountable for such actions, and they deserve leaders who uphold these same standards.
Above all, I believe that character is the defining trait required of the Secretary of Defense, and must be prioritized without compromise. The leader of the Department of Defense must demonstrate and model the standards of behavior and character we expect of all servicemembers, and Mr. Hegseth’s nomination to the role poses significant concerns that I cannot overlook. Given the global security environment we’re operating in, it is critical that we confirm a Secretary of Defense, however, I regret that I am unable to support Mr. Hegseth.”
This isn’t shocking to any of us. Lisa Murkowski is the biggest RINO in the Senate and she’ll probably carry with her Susan Collins from Maine. They tend to stick together, but no always. I’d love to be wrong about Collins.
The reporting yesterday also indicated that Mitch McConnell may also vote against Hegseth. But that has not been confirmed yet.
Hegseth can lose 3 votes and VP JD Vance will break the tie.
I’ll add this from the top Republican on the Armed Services Committee via Pergram:
Armed Services Cmte Chair Wicker on Hegseth: Admittedly, this nomination is unconventional. The nominee himself is unconventional. Just like that New York developer who rode down the escalator in 2015 to announce his candidacy for president. That may be what makes Mr. Hegseth a good choice. He’s not beholden to the status quo, and he’s open to new ideas. He’s intent on lethality and readiness and shouldn’t we all be.
They are now voting to confirm John Ratcliffe as CIA Director. Once that is done they can move on to Hegseth.
