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Picking up the pieces after 'Don't Ask' defeat
Supporters of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal are picking up the pieces after a devastating loss in the U.S. Senate and–amid fears the opportunity for repeal has been lost–anticipating another shot at passing legislation that would end the law after Election Day.
Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, said he continues to see a path for legislative repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this Congress as he acknowledged the need for new efforts.
"We do have a shot in the lame duck," he said. "And, I think, frankly, it's better than 50/50, but we've got to change the mix. … It's unlikely the vote will be that different."
Still, Sarvis said "time is the enemy" even as he maintained that sufficient time remains this year to move forward with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal.
"We're only talking about four or five days in November, and it's unclear how many days in December," Sarvis said. "This bill is tough to do in the best of circumstances when you aren't up against time. I think it can be done, but time is a factor for sure."