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McCain: Hagel was frustrated with White House before leaving Pentagon

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Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014

By Stephen Hicks

WASHINGTON – When President Barack Obama announced the departure of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, the two men said it was a “mutual agreement” and that Obama had accepted the resignation Hagel had submitted. But Arizona Sen. John McCain said Hagel had been frozen out of decision-making at the White House and had been frustrated by the lack of input on defense issues. Hagel has agreed to stay on in the job until a replacement is approved. Obama is expected to announce his choice in December.