Maine Sen. Susan Collins voted against confirming former Sen. Chuck Hagel as U.S. defense secretary, while Sen. Angus King voted in favor.

Maine's two U.S. senators had different views on President Obama's nominee to run the U.S. Defense Department.

Sen. Angus King, an independent, voted to confirm former Sen. Chuck Hagel as the nation's next secretary of defense.  

"Having met Senator Hagel personally, and having heard his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am convinced that he is a man of honesty, integrity, and intelligence, who will be a strong leader for the Department of Defense, offer the President unvarnished advice, and work tirelessly to lead and support the brave men and women of our armed services," King says in a statement.

Sen. Susan Collins was one of 41 Republicans who voted against confirming Hagel.  Collins has criticized Hagel's views on the Middle East and Iran.

The U.S. Senate voted 58-41 to confirm Hagel.