Reply #36: Hagel, McCain clash over troops to Iraq (OWH)

[Omaha Steve]

Free reg req: http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1000&u_sid=2325573

Hagel, McCain clash over troops to Iraq

WASHINGTON - Senate Republicans Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and John McCain of Arizona sparred Sunday over President Bush's troop buildup in Iraq, previewing an intense showdown expected this week as the Senate debates America's strategy in that country.

The Senate is poised to begin debating several resolutions today, with Hagel and McCain staking out the two strongest opposing views to sending 21,500 more U.S. troops into Iraq.

Hagel is a key sponsor of a new compromise resolution expressing disapproval of Bush's troop surge. McCain is pushing a competing resolution that generally supports the president's move.

The disagreement between the fellow Vietnam combat veterans has strained their long friendship. It also could spill into the 2008 presidential contest if both were to run. McCain has announced his candidacy; Hagel is still weighing his options.

FULL story at link.