Hagel delays presidential bid decision

updated 11:46 a.m. ET March 12, 2007

OMAHA, Neb. - Senator Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., is putting off a decision about a possible presidential bid.

The Nebraska Republican has been an outspoken critic of the Iraq war.

Hagel told a press conference today in Omaha that he wants to keep his focus on finding "a responsible way out of this tragedy."

Hagel, who said in 2004 that he may make a White House run, now says he'll decide about his political future later this year.

Hagel's staunch opposition to the administration's Iraq policy is shaped in part by his experience as an Army sergeant in Vietnam, where he served side-by-side with his brother Tom.

He was twice wounded in 1968, one of the bloodiest years of the war, earning two Purple Hearts.

MORE FROM POLITICS

Politics Section Front

First Read: Geithner likely to be treasury secretary Mukasey feeling better, checks out of hospital   Obama makes key Cabinet picks Inaugural crowd to face intense scrutiny Bush pushes economy, N. Korea progress Brownstein: The Bush GOP's fatal contraction Obamas chose private Sidwell Friends School Disputed Senate ballots hold key to Minn. win EU wants early foreign policy from Obama 'Card check' best hope for auto workers union? Politics Section Front   Add Politics headlines to your news reader: