Arizona Senator John McCain promised
over the weekend he'd filibuster an effort to repeal “Don't Ask
Don't Tell” during a lame-duck session following the November
midterm elections.
McCain led the Republican filibuster in
September that killed the Senate's first attempt to legislatively
repeal the law which has ended the military careers of over 13,000
gay or bisexual service members.
Supporters of repeal have been lobbying
lawmakers to consider a second attempt before the end of the year.
McCain would displace Michigan Senator
Carl Levin as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee – and
acquire a commanding position on repeal – should the GOP gain 10
senate seats this November.
In an interview with Phoenix-based
NBC affiliate Channel 12's Sunday
Square Off, McCain said the
reason Democrats attempted to “ramrod” repeal in September is
“because they know the Senate will look different next January.”
And he promised he
would work against a second attempt at repeal.
“I will filibuster or stop it from
being brought up until we have a thorough and complete study on the
effect of morale and battle effectiveness,” McCain said. “That
is the position of the four service chiefs and, according to polls, a
majority of the men and women who are serving in the military.”
When the moderator noted that society
is becoming more accepting of gay rights, McCain answered: “And I
do not oppose that … but we're in two wars, this president has no
military experience.”