Hagel delay gives opposition time to hone attack

WASHINGTON (AP) — The weeklong Senate recess gives outside interest groups opposed to Chuck Hagel’s nomination to become defense secretary more time to sharpen their attack against President Barack Obama’s choice. And they’re not wasting any of it, promising to redouble their efforts to scour Hagel’s record and to pressure senators to vote against him.

While Senate Republicans have succeeded in delaying a confirmation vote on Hagel’s nomination, they signaled that they would eventually relent and allow an up-or-down vote after they return from their recess on Feb. 25. But that leaves an uncomf...