Former Senator Chuck Hagel is likely to be nominated for Secretary of Defense next week, according to congressional and administration sources, reports The New York Times. Hagel, 66, has been the rumored pick for weeks now, but has weathered a lot of criticism in the intervening time — specifically regarding his denouncement of openly-gay ambassador James Hormel in the 90s, as well as whether his support for the state of Israel is sufficiently rigid enough for congressional conservatives to confirm him. (Photo from Secretary of Defense) source