Book deal reported

Chuck Hagel has agreed to write a book. The Beatrice Daily Sun has the story:

Sen. Chuck Hagel, a possible 2008 presidential candidate, will pen a book this year about the United States' future, his spokesman said Friday.

The Nebraska Republican has reached an agreement on a book deal with Ecco, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers.

Hagel, 60, expects to sign a contract soon, spokesman Mike Buttry said. The Vietnam veteran will write the book this year, and it is planned for publication next winter, Buttry said, which could put it on bookshelves in the heart of the 2008 presidential primary season.

The book deal has nothing to do with Hagel's possible presidential campaign, Buttry said. Hagel has said he will decide early this year whether or not to run. He has not yet reached a decision, Buttry said Friday.