The battle of Chuck Hagel is over. On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed the former Republican senator as President Obama’s new secretary of defense, despite a lot of push-back from some of Hagel’s one-time colleagues.

Hagel was confirmed with a 58-41 vote, but just four Republicans sided with the Democrats and independents in supporting Hagel’s nomination. The confirmation comes nearly two weeks after Republicans filibustered in an attempt to block Hagel’s nomination.

His confirmation is another victory for the Obama administration. Hagel will be sworn in to succeed outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Wednesday morning.

Source: Reuters