As of February 18, 2013, the Dublin based betting site, Intrade, has Chuck Hagel as a 95% favorite to be confirmed as US Secretary of Defense. I support Hagel and would hope his chances are that good, but I would put them at closer to 75%. Let's look at the parties and issues in this

Rick Santorum's strongest calling card in his effort to portray himself as the most consistent conservative in the race for the nomination is the perception that he opposes abortion in all circumstances. His campaign website states that he has "steadfastly opposed the federal funding of abortions."  Rick Santorum is lying.  The last time Santorum ran