Breaking: Ben Nelson to vote Yes on DADT repeal

[kpete]

Source: The Plum Line

Breaking: Ben Nelson to vote Yes on DADT repeal

A big step forward for the push to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell: Senator Ben Nelson, who has been aggressively lobbied for months by gay rights groups, is announcing that he'll support the repeal compromise. From Nelson's statement:


"I don't believe that most Nebraskans want to continue a policy that not only encourages but requires people to be deceptive and to lie. The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy does just that. It also encourages suspicion and senior officers to look the other way. In a military which values honesty and integrity, this policy encourages deceit.

"The process being used to repeal this policy is fraught with typical Washington politics, with some suggesting Congress waits until after the November elections and others pushing for a vote before the elections.

"I will support the Lieberman compromise because it removes politics from the process. It bases implementation of the repeal on the Pentagon's review and a determination by our military leaders that repeal is consistent with military readiness and effectiveness, and that the Pentagon has prepared the necessary regulations to make the changes.

"I spoke to Secretary Gates and he advised that while he preferred waiting until the study is completed, he can live with this compromise."


Here's why this is key: It means that the compromise very well may have the support of the 15 Senators necessary to pass it out of the Senate Armed Services Committee, a big step forward.

Read more: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2010/05/ben_nelson_to_vote_yes_on_repe.html

[bluestateguy]

1. That's a big pickup

If Webb is the only defection, we could do this.

[eleny]

2. rec'd

[Unvanguard]

3. Looking like this is a done deal. Excellent. n/t

[Arkana]

4. Zuh?

Well that one I didn't expect.

If we got Ben we can definitely get Bill--and I just BET we can get Landrieu and Lincoln (since she's gonna lose her primary anyway, she's got nothing left to lose) on board.

[pinto]

5. (aside) Senate Armed Services Committee membership -

DEMOCRATS

Carl Levin (Michigan)
Chairman

Robert C. Byrd (West Virginia)
Joseph I. Lieberman (Connecticut)
Jack Reed (Rhode Island)
Daniel K. Akaka (Hawaii)
Bill Nelson (Florida)
Ben Nelson (Nebraska)
Evan Bayh (Indiana)
Jim Webb (Virginia)
Claire McCaskill (Missouri)
Mark Udall (Colorado)
Kay R. Hagan (North Carolina)
Mark Begich (Alaska)
Roland W. Burris (Illinois)
Jeff Bingaman (New Mexico)
Edward E. Kaufman (Delaware)

REPUBLICANS
John McCain (Arizona)
Ranking Member

James M. Inhofe (Oklahoma)
Jeff Sessions (Alabama)
Saxby Chambliss (Georgia)
Lindsey Graham (South Carolina)
John Thune (South Dakota)
Roger F. Wicker (Mississippi)
George S. LeMieux (Florida)
Scott Brown (Massachusetts)
Richard Burr (North Carolina)
David Vitter (Louisiana)
Susan M. Collins (Maine)

[Lone_Star_Dem]

6. So, even without Webb that would leave us with the required 15?

That's what it looks like to me anyway. :shrug:

[Warpy]

7. Once in a blue moon Nelson turns into a Democrat

Unfortunately, it never lasts long.

Still, this is a big deal. I hope others find the courage to follow.

[xchrom]

8. Shit - I'm gonna have to slap my mother. Nt

[Jamastiene]

9. I'm still picking my chin off the floor.

:wow:

[EFerrari]

10. K&R

[BeyondGeography]

11. Fantastic news

:thumbsup:

[Zenlitened]

12. K&R

"I don't believe that most Nebraskans want to continue a policy that not only encourages but requires people to be deceptive and to lie. The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy does just that. It also encourages suspicion and senior officers to look the other way. In a military which values honesty and integrity, this policy encourages deceit."

:thumbsup:

[donheld]

13. I'm in shock!

[Jennicut]

14. Okay, now that one shocked me.

Thank you for doing the right thing, Sen. Nelson...of course, I need to see the actual vote to believe it.

[DeadEyeDyck]

15. there ya be