WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with former Senator Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Defense.  Following their forty-five minute meeting, Senator King released the following statement:

“I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak with Senator Hagel this morning and appreciate him taking the time to meet with me.  We had an open and positive discussion about a variety of issues, including the inherent challenge of managing such a massive and complex department with dwindling resources, the threat Iran currently poses to its neighbors and the international community, and Israel’s regional security.  I was impressed by Senator Hagel’s answers and left the meeting feeling reassured about the strength of his credentials and the positions he holds.  That said, I look forward to the Senator’s impending testimony before the Armed Services Committee later this month and will reserve final judgment until those hearings conclude.”