Hagel Doesn't Announce: Party Mourns Dynamic Combo of McCain's Annoyance Factor and Giuliani's Disconcerting Leftward Lean

Maybe later, he says. The suspense builds.

Mr. Hagel's overall record is solid, said American Conservative Union Chairman David A. Keene.

"Chuck Hagel is bright, decent and conservative on almost allissues," Mr. Keene said. "Indeed, his lifetime ACU rating is over 85,and we consider anyone who scores 80 or above a fairly reliableconservative."

Hagel: Before this is over, you might see calls for Bush's impeachment