White House Rejects Republican Calls To Withdraw Hagel

The White House is rejecting Republican calls to withdraw Chuck Hagel's nomination as Defense Secretary.  Spokesman Jay Carney says Hagel should already be on the job. 

More than a dozen Republican senators sent a letter to President Obama, asking him to drop Hagel. Carney said the President stands behind Hagel and is optimistic the Nebraska Republican will be confirmed by the full Senate next week.  Former Senator Hagel is a decorated Vietnam War veteran.