Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) stated Wednesday that he’s supportive of Pete Hegseth’s nomination to guide the Pentagon so long as no extra “surprises” emerge throughout his affirmation course of, which has teetered in latest days amid considerations from some Senate Republicans.
Cramer, who is taken into account a key vote within the affirmation combat, advised reporters after assembly with Hegseth on Wednesday night that he has “no reason to not be supportive” of the previous Fox Information host, however cautioned that he’s backing him as long as no different experiences emerge that would additional injury his prospects.
“Yes — that I’m likely to get to a ‘yes’ vote I’d say, yeah. I see no reason to not be a ‘yes’ vote,” Cramer stated. “Again, it’s not time to vote, but yeah, I look forward to being as supportive as I can of him … barring surprises.”
The North Dakota Republican pressed Hegseth through the assembly on whether or not any extra revelations can be unearthed within the coming days. The nominee stated he didn’t count on there can be any until “someone makes something up.”
“I said, ‘One of the things that hurts people most in this business … is surprises, so are there any more surprises?’ And he said nothing that we know of that would be true,” Cramer stated. “I have no reason not to believe him about that.”
Cramer described the assembly as “frank” and famous that Hegseth pledged that he won’t drink throughout his tenure as secretary if he’s confirmed. NBC Information reported earlier this week that staff at Fox have been involved about Hegseth’s alcohol consumption, with some sources telling the outlet that he smelled of booze earlier than occurring the air. One supply famous that was the case as not too long ago as final month.
“He made that commitment, and I wanted to hear that commitment. I was very satisfied with that, quite honestly,” Cramer stated, noting he has a household historical past of alcohol abuse; within the lead-up to the assembly he had stated a dedication of this kind was vital to him. “I gave him the benefit of the doubt.”
Hegseth admitted that he drank an excessive amount of at some work occasions, which have been detailed by The New Yorker over the weekend, however denied that “anything improper happened” and the particular situations specified by the story.
“I have no reason to doubt him anymore than believe somebody else,” Cramer stated.
The Pentagon nominee has come beneath fireplace in latest days after The New Yorker report and the revelation of a 2017 sexual assault allegation, which he denies. He went on a media blitz on Wednesday in an try and steer his affirmation hopes again on observe by showing on “Fox & Friends” alongside his mom and speaking for an hour with Megyn Kelly on her eponymous SiriusXM present.
“He was quite clear he’s in it to stay,” Cramer added.
