Rob Portman is not normally considered a foreign policy ‘hawk.’  The Ohio Republican is better known as a fiscal conservative and an effective deal maker.  But President Obama’s nomination of former Nebraska Sen.r and Vietnam War veteran Chuck Hagel has apparently ruffled Portman’s feathers.  Hagel was liked by both parties during his 12 years in the Senate, but his outspoken criticism of the Iraq war has left some fellow Republicans feeling cold toward his nomination as Pentagon chief.

On a swing through Northeast Ohio last week, Portman conveyed his fear that Hagel won’t be tough enough on Iran, especially when it comes to the threat of military action, and tighter sanctions.

“I’m very concerned that we don’t have a Secretary of the Defense who gives the Iranians the wrong impression as to not just the will of the U.S. but really of the global community that has is finally coming together to apply tough sanctions so that the Iranians don’t move forward with a nuclear weapon.” 

Portman takes a softer stand toward the two Democrats who need Senate approval.  The Ohio Republican likes Treasury nominee Jack Lew, but is withholding an outright endorsement until he hears Lew’s ideas for tax reform and entitlement reform.  Meanwhile Portman, like most of the Senate, is onboard with the president’s pick for Secretary of State, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry.