Sources: Obama to nominate Hagel as Pentagon chief

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama will nominate Chuck Hagel as his next defense secretary, a senior administration official said Sunday, choosing a former Senate colleague and a decorated Vietnam veteran and signaling he's ready for a contentious confirmation fight likely dominated by questions about Hagel's stands on Israel and Iran.

AP Photo/Nati Harnik

Then-Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., speaks during an appearance at Bellevue University, in Bellevue, Neb., on Feb. 21, 2007. President Barack Obama will nominate Hagel as his next defense secretary, a senior administration off...