Former GOP Senator Praises Sestak, Decries "Extreme Rhetoric"

As we reported in today's Daily News, former U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Republican from Nebraska, came to town today to throw his support behind U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate.  Speaking in Washington Square this afternoon in front of a memorial to Revolutionary War soldiers, Hagel said the United States faces a unique time in history in issues of national security and competitiveness in the world market. similar to post-World War II.  Hagel said Sestak is the type of leader the country needs now: Honest, experienced, independent and willing to challenge the status quo and their own political parties.

And Hagel decried the "extreme rhetoric" that sometimes takes over political races.  He said legislators should be willing to work across the isle and avoid politics that divide votes.  "Not the political nonsense," said Hagel, who clashed with President Bush over the war in Iraq and other foreign policy issues. "Not the political rhetoric. Not the political opposition and confrontation. That solves nothing. It just sets America behind further. Drive to a solution. Accommodate other's interests but find a consensus."

As Hagel spoke, eight supporters of former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey -- Sestak's Republican opponent -- gathered in the background waving Toomey campaign and anti-Sestak signs.  Sestak supporters attempted to block them from view using their own signs and a large banner.

Hagel had little to say when asked to comment on the campaign Toomey is running or what kind of senator he might be.  "I think Mr. Toomey is a good man, a decent man, an honest man," Hagel said.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee took a less charitable approach toward Hagel, issuing a statement after the endorsement that takes a shot at him for being appointed by President Obama last October as co-chairman of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board.  "As someone who has made it no secret that he's ready and available to work for the Obama Administration, it's not surprising that Chuck Hagel sought Joe Sestak's insight on how to score a plum federal job offer from the White House," the NRSC statement said.