Democrats "very close" on Hagel; Lew is "unruffled" by Hill questions; and the Ashley Judd effect (read-this roundup) Posted at 10:18 AM ET, 02/14/2013 Democrats need 60 votes to confirm former senator Chuck Hagel as defense secretary. Counting the votes - Democrats will need 60 votes on Friday to confirm former Nebraska senator Chuck Hagel (R) as Secretary of State, and "early indications are that they are very close or already over that mark." Though technically, it's not a filibuster. Cool Hand Lew - Good reviews for White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew's performance during confirmation hearings on his nomination to be Treasury secretary: "unruffled" by tough questions and "handled the confirmation so smoothly." Less popular at the hearing were a couple of pranksters dressed as Robin Hood . The Judd effect - Some Kentucky Democrats are worried that if actress Ashley Judd makes a Senate run, she'd drag down the state's down-ballot candidates. Old dog, new tricks - And we missed this earlier this week, but the oldest member of Congress has joined Twitter. He probably won't be as proficient in the medium as this guy.