Updated

A major donor to the liberal group Media Matters reportedly is bankrolling a public relations push to promote Chuck Hagel’s nomination for the top spot at the Pentagon.

On Monday, President Obama nominated Hagel, a former Republican Nebraska senator, as his next secretary of defense despite criticism by Republicans and Democrats who say Hagel’s controversial comments on Israel and gay rights do not make him a good fit for the position.

According to an article in the Daily Caller, gambling giant and Media Matters for America funder Bill Benter has already dropped thousands of dollars for pro-Hagel ads in Politico.

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