Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellGOP ramps up attacks on Democrats over talk of nixing filibuster MLB owner: It's 'very necessary' to vote for Trump Delta: Early departures saved flight attendants' jobs MORE (R-Ky.) refused to rule out a GOP filibuster of former Sen. Chuck Hagel Charles (Chuck) Timothy HagelWhile our foes deploy hypersonic weapons, Washington debates about funding Hillicon Valley: Democrats request counterintelligence briefing | New pressure for election funding | Republicans urge retaliation against Chinese hackers National security leaders, advocacy groups urge Congress to send election funds to states MORE (R-Neb.) in an interview with a local Kentucky TV station this weekend.

McConnell said it was “not clear yet” whether Hagel’s confirmation to become President Obama’s next Defense secretary would be filibustered, and said opposition to Hagel was “intensifying.”

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“Sen. Hagel did not do a very good job before the Armed Services Committee this week,” McConnell told Kentucky’s cn|2. “I think the opposition to him is intensifying. Whether that means he will end up having to achieve 60 votes or 51 is not clear yet.”

McConnell’s remarks could add new fuel to a potential filibuster of a Cabinet nominee, an unprecedented step in the Senate. An aide to the No. 2 Senate Republican, Minority Whip John Cornyn John Cornyn'Top Chef' star Tom Colicchio presses Congress to boost SNAP benefits during pandemic NJ governor designates Juneteenth as state holiday The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by National Industries for the Blind - Prudent or 'pathetic'? GOP senators plan to vote on coronavirus relief Thursday MORE (R-Texas), said Friday that “all options are on the table” when asked about a filibuster.

Hagel was skewered by Republicans at his confirmation hearing last week, and several GOP lawmakers said they would oppose him afterward. But he will almost assuredly be confirmed if Republicans do not filibuster, as no Democrats have come out against his confirmation and they hold a 55-45 advantage in the Senate.

Even if Republicans do attempt a filibuster, Hagel could secure enough votes to break it. Sen. Mike Johanns Michael (Mike) Owen JohannsMeet the Democratic sleeper candidate gunning for Senate in Nebraska Farmers, tax incentives can ease the pain of a smaller farm bill Lobbying World MORE (R-Neb.) became the second Republican senator to say he would support Hagel after Sen. Thad Cochran William (Thad) Thad CochranEspy wins Mississippi Senate Democratic primary Bottom Line Mike Espy announces Mississippi Senate bid MORE (R-Miss.) endorsed him last week.

McConnell has not said how he will vote on Hagel's confirmation, but told cn|2 he would announce his decision soon. McConnell, who served with Hagel in the Senate, called his former colleague a "smart, capable guy" in an interview last week before the confirmation hearing.

The first step for Hagel’s confirmation is a committee vote, which could come as early as this week. Democrats hold a 14-12 advantage on the committee.