Chuck Hagel moves closer to new position

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Story Created: Feb 6, 2013 at 6:40 PM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 6, 2013 at 6:40 PM CDT

Former Senator Chuck Hagel's road to become secretary of defense just got a little smoother.

CNN has learned there are now at least five Republican senators who would oppose a filibuster of Hagel's confirmation.

That gives Democrats the 60 votes they would need to break a potential filibuster.

All five senators, including Senator John McCain, are against Hagel's nomination, but disagree with blocking it by a filibuster.

Hagel served as a Republican senator from Nebraska but has faced considerable Republican opposition.

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