HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy has taken a pass on committing to whether he’ll vote to confirm President Barack Obama’s nomination of Chuck Hagel as Pentagon chief while offering strong praise for the ex-senator. Murphy said this morning that Hagel, a former Republican senator from Nebraska, is a very strong pick.  He cited Hagel’s service in Vietnam and foreign policy experience.

However, Murphy said he will take his time researching Hagel’s record and examine his positions.  Murphy was interviewed on CNN.

Hagel is facing strong criticism from congressional Republicans who say he’s anti-Israel and soft on Iran.

Murphy, a former congressman who was sworn in as senator last Thursday, said Republicans are looking to pick a fight with Obama.

The president is expected to announce his nomination of Hagel later today.