Hagel got 58 affirmative votes for

[babylonsister]

confirmation. Why didn't he need 60? Isn't that the standard that's been used for awhile now?
I'm confused, so thanks for any clarification.

[hlthe2b]

1. Because prior to this vote, was a vote for cloture (to end the filibuster)

and he got the necessary 60 votes for that.

[mucifer]

2. I heard that the senate never filibusters cabinet positions

and that the republicans were threatening to do this. But, in the end, they didn't.

[hlthe2b]

4. No, they DID filibuster and thus the delay in having a full vote, but enough RETHUGS agreed to

end the filibuster with a >60 vote for cloture--which necessarily preceded the actual vote on confirmation.

[mucifer]

6. Thanks! I'm glad we got Hagel!

[Tx4obama]

5. Yes, they did. The Republicans didn't pass/vote for cloture a couple of weeks ago.

That is why there there was a second cloture vote today before there could be a final vote.

If the Republicans had not obstructed the nomination then Hagel would have been confirmed 10+ days ago.

[Tx4obama]

3. There was a 'cloture vote' first, he got 71 on that one.

List of votes for cloture here: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00023

Final vote here: Here: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00024