Politics Afternoon Edition: Hagel defends record at confirmation hearing; Sen. Menendez quietly reimbursed donor for trips

Politics Afternoon Edition from The Washington Post

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Thursday, January 31, 2013

HEADLINES

Hagel defends record at confirmation hearing

The former Republican senator provided a detailed rebuttal to criticism that he has faced in recent weeks, including allegations that he is too dovish on Iran and eager to slash defense spending.
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Sen. Menendez quietly reimbursed donor for trips

Sen. Robert Menendez's (D-N.J.) office says he reimbursed a prominent Florida political donor on Jan. 4 for the full cost of two of three trips Menendez took on the donor's plane to the Dominican Republic in 2010.
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Hagel asked to explain why Iran is 'legitimate'

Pressed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) to explain statements earlier in his confirmation hearing that the Iranian government is "legitimate," defense secretary nominee Chuck Hagel clarified what he meant.
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THE FIX: 4 reasons Scott Brown should pass on the Senate special election and run for governor

The Massachusetts Republican may well run for the Senate again. But the governor's race looks like the better way to go.
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IN THE LOOP: Irony at the nuclear agency

A meeting to discuss public engagement by the NRC isn't available online, thanks to a glitch.
» Read full article

QUOTE OF THE DAY

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney when asked by a reporter whether the White House was planning a concerted effort on job creation just as it has on immigration reform and gun control. :

"I know you're kind of new to the beat, but this president has been focused on this issue more than any other, and that will not change"

MULTIMEDIA

Video: Inhofe grills Hagel on Senate votes

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) asked former Sen. Chuck Hagel about several votes and petitions that he did not sign during Hagel's confirmation hearing for secretary of defense.