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Scott Brown Breaks Ranks With GOP Supports DADT Repeal

12/03/10-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
Senator Scott Brown has issued a statement making his support of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell clear. Given this, Brown may give cover for the other Republicans who are willing to break ranks and support repealing DADT. Whether or not this will allow three more Republicans to switch sides and vote for repeal will have to be seen, but his decision lends support to repeal will help.

Here is his statement in full via HuffPo:

I have been in the military for 31 years and counting, and have served as a subordinate and as an officer. As a legislator, I have spent a significant amount of time on military issues. During my time of service, I have visited our injured troops at Walter Reed and have attended funerals of our fallen heroes. When a soldier answers the call to serve, and risks life or limb, it has never mattered to me whether they are gay or straight. My only concern has been whether their service and sacrifice is with pride and honor.

I pledged to keep an open mind about the present policy on Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Having reviewed the Pentagon report, having spoken to active and retired military service members, and having discussed the matter privately with Defense Secretary Gates and others, I accept the findings of the report and support repeal based on the Secretary’s recommendations that repeal will be implemented only when the battle effectiveness of the forces is assured and proper preparations have been completed.

Senator John McCain has dedicated his breath to preventing LGBT rights from moving forward or DADT from being repealed. Others have kibitzed over repeal claiming that they are worried about the procedures that have been undertaken in order to pass the 2011 Defense Budget and the DADT repeal.