McConnell not ruling out Hagel filibuster, says opposition to nominee ‘intensifying’

[Inuca]

10. OTOH - McCain: Don't filibuster Hagel

Sen. John McCain said Monday he opposes using a filibuster to block Chuck Hagel’s nomination as defense secretary, an announcement that could pave the way for his eventual confirmation by the Senate.

Given his clout within his caucus on national security matters, McCain’s decision will almost certainly help sway enough Senate Republicans to unite with Democrats to defeat any attempt to derail the Hagel nomination after his shaky performance in his confirmation hearings last week.

While McCain said he would vote to break a filibuster, he may vote against the Hagel nomination on its merits because of the nominee’s refusal to answer his question at last week’s hearing over whether the 2007 Iraq troop surge was a success. Nevertheless, Democrats will have more than enough votes to confirm the nomination once any filibuster attempt is defeated.

“I just do not believe a filibuster is appropriate, and I would oppose such a move … I will try to make that argument to my colleagues,” the Arizona Republican told reporters outside the Senate chamber

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/mccain-dont-filibuster-hagel-87159.html#ixzz2JyIUXT9u

Maybe all he heard and saw these last dew days about hid despcable performance at the hearing made a difference, I don't know.... Loyalty to a former friend is definitely not the reason.