Lisa Murkowski supports repeal of DADT
GOP Senator Lisa Murkowski has decided to support repeal of don’t ask don’t tell, her spokesman tells me, potentially adding another crucial GOP vote to the Yes column and putting 60 votes within reach.
“Her vote will depend on how free and open the amendment process is, but she has reached the decision that don’t ask don’t tell ought to be repealed, provided that proper preparations are implemented,” Murkowski spokesman Michael Brumas tells me.
With the Senate set to vote tonight on DADT repeal, this statement does not guarantee that she will vote Yes. Murkowski has given herself some wiggle room here by insisting on a “free and open” amendment process.
But this is nonetheless a step foward. Murkowski had previously been hedging on whether she supports repeal; now she does. What’s more, Murkowski is saying nothing about the failure to resolve the tax deal leading her to vote No.