In blow to DADT repeal, talks with Senator Collins hit wall

[jefferson_dem]

Fuck! Who didn't see this coming? :grr:

In blow to DADT repeal, talks with Senator Collins hit wall
By Greg Sargent

Senior Senate Democratic aides are in a panic this morning about the prospects for repeal of don't ask don't tell, because talks with Senator Susan Collins over her procedural demands have hit a wall, with the Democratic leadership dismissing her requests as unreasonable and counterproductive, a senior Dem aide close to the talks tells me.

The talks are continuing as we speak, so all is not lost yet. Indeed, the logjam in the discussions comes as Dem leaders have stepped up their efforts to get moderate Republicans to agree to vote for cloture on repeal, with President Obama personally calling Senators on both sides, the aide says.

Collins has said she supports repeal, but won't agree to vote for cloture on the Defense Authorization Bill containing repeal if Harry Reid doesn't allow ample time for open debate and amendments on the bill.

In private discussions between Collins and Reid this morning, and between their staffs over the weekend, Collins has demanded that Reid allow what's known as "unlimited debate" on the bill in order for her to vote for repeal, the aide close to the talks says.

Reid has rejected this demand, the aide continues. The problem is that this could allow any Senator to hijack the proceedings by introducing a "non-germane amendment," thus holding the floor.

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http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2010/12/in_blow_to_dadt_repeal_talks_w.html

[Unvanguard]

1. I hate Republicans. Every day, more and more. n/t

[jefferson_dem]

3. +1

On that, we all agree. Contemptible bastards. Every last one of them. It's past time we put to rest the myth that this two "Maine girls" are in any way "centrists".

[Mass]

2. What a surprise!

I totally expect Senator Brown to follow the same path. They do not oppose DADT, but they ask something that is impossible (like unlimited debate) and then vote against it.

This is the second time Collins does that.

[Supersedeas]

4. delay and obstruct--it's worked before

[QC]

5. Who could ever have predicted this??? n/t

[polichick]

6. How do Republicans live with themselves?!

I know, I know, they're shameless.

[TwilightGardener]

7. I knew it. I called this last week.

[phleshdef]

8. Do we still have Dems holding out on this?

If we can get all the Dems on board, we have enough Republicans that we don't need her.

[Arkana]

10. No, I'm pretty sure we're just working the "moderate" Republicans now.

I think that Softcore Scotty is on board, but that still leaves us with 2 more.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

9. What in the world does she want to make sure gets added to this bill?

Why do they need unlimited debate? It's a Defense spending bill for crissakes! :banghead: