Collins "Perplexed" DADT Repeal Falls Victim to Politics She Played

The final: 57-40.

Sen. Susan Collins was the only Republican to vote for cloture, casting her aye well after failure was certain.  She wanted more time.  West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin carried on the long standing tradition of intolerance his seat requires as the only Democrat to vote with the Republicans.  Brown, Murkowski and Snowe are out reminding everyone they really really really wanted to not be homophobic about this, but just couldn't for "procedural reasons."  You'll understand, right?

Why did Harry Reid push this one if he didn't have the votes? His statement via Crooks and Liars:

"Over the last twenty years, we’ve had roll call votes on an average of 12 amendments during consideration of the Defense Authorization bill.

“So, in an effort to be as fair as possible, I made clear to my colleagues that I am willing to vote on 15 relevant amendments of their choosing, with 10 from the Republican side, and 5 from the Democratic side, with ample time for debate on each amendment.

“Now my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are demanding even more time. The time that they know isn’t available. There are not enough days in this calendar year to do what the minority is asking, and they know this.

So Republicans wanted to either run out the clock on other legislation, play politics with their "block everything" pledge, or ignore the basic civil rights of men and women who voluntarily serve their country.  Take your pick.

Even with her final yes, you could choke on this post-vote nugget from Collins:

"There was such a clear path for us to be able to get this bill done and I am perplexed and frustrated that this important bill is going to become a victim of politics," Collins said. "Sen. Lieberman and I have been bargaining in good faith with the majority leader."
The stage this sets for the tax cut debate and DREAM Act vote doesn't bode well for Democrats or common sense.  The minority rules a failed and broken Senate.

UPDATE: Lieberman tweets Reid will "Rule 14" a repeal vote directly to the Senate floor.

Tags: Susan Collins, Joe Lieberman, DADT Repeal, Harry Reid (all tags)

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