Washington (CNN) - Supporters of Chuck Hagel formed an organization to fight back against attacks directed at the former Republican senator, but for now have decided not to launch a political campaign style defense of the new Secretary of Defense nominee.

The pro-Hagel group, Americans for Strategic Leadership, is headed by former U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Burt, who has worked alongside Hagel in several foreign policy capacities, confirmed a source close to the group. A representative with Americans for Strategic Leadership would only speak about the group on the condition of anonymity.
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