Opponents of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" may have landed a huge ally on Friday after Senator Scott Brown issued a statement in favor of repealing the Clinton-era ban on gays serving openly in the military.
"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," the Massachusetts Republican said.
"My only concern has been whether their service and sacrifice is with pride and honor."
The military veteran pledged to keep an open mind during the discussion about repealing the policy which is expected to come up for debate in the full Senate during the lame duck session.
In September, Senate Democrats suffered an embarrassing defeat when they failed to even bring the legislation up for a vote.
The policy was ruled unconstitutional in September by a federal court in California. On Tuesday, a survey released showed that 70% of active duty troops believe a repeal of DADT would have either a positive effect or no effect on their ability to complete missions.
Republicans, led by Sen. John McCain, have argued that more research needs to be done before the policy is reversed.
But if Democrats can add moderate Republicans to their side, they can avoid a vote being blocked as it was in September.
Even with the support of Brown, the legislation may never make it to the floor thanks to some ugly partisanship from Republicans.
On Wednesday, the GOP delivered a letter promising to block all Democratic legislation except for bills relating to tax cuts and government spending.
On Friday, concerns continued to grow among advocates that the bill would not make it to the floor in time.
Sources told Politico that with the little time Obama administration has left with an overwhelming Democratic majority, they have to choose between passing START, a nuclear weapons treaty, and the defense bill allowing for the repeal may not even make it to the floor.
"The administration wants START," one Republican staffer told Politico.
Advocates told Politico they were losing faith in the Democrats' ability, even with moderate Republicans support, to pass anything.
"[Senate Majority leader Harry] Reid will offer an untenable compromise and the chips will fall where they fell in September," said one gay advocate, who asked not to be named. "The community is going to be livid."
nmandell@nydailynews.com
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