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Franken praises Hagel nomination

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Jan 8, 2013 at 6:54 am

EAGAN, Minn. (KNSI) Minnesota Sen. Al Franken is praising President Barack Obama's pick of former Nebraska Republican Senator Chuck Hagel as his next defense secretary.

Franken calls Hagel, a decorated Vietnam combat veteran, ``a war hero.'' And Franken is promising to listen to his testimony.

Some Democrats have criticized Hagel for saying in 1998 that a nominee for an ambassador post was ``openly, aggressively gay.''

Franken, a Democrat, says Hagel has apologized for those comments, and he doesn't think that's a reason to deny him the post.

Franken also says he's interested in hearing Hagel's comments on Iran's nuclear program.

In a statement, Minnesota's other senator, Democrat Amy Klobuchar, says Hagel ``has a long record of service to his country,'' and she looks forward to considering his confirmation.